ICC WC 2023 Qualifiers: The West Indies contingent has suffered a new low in their international circuit as they sustained a humiliating defeat against Scotland in the Super Six stage of the ongoing edition of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023. This was the third defeat in a row for the Caribbean side as they previously lost against Zimbabwe and Netherlands.
The two-time World Cup champions were in a must-win situation against Scotland but have now neared their exit from the qualifying event. Winning the toss at the Harare Sports Club, Scotland skipper Richard Berrington made an exemplary decision to bowl first.
West Indies Batters Failed to Breach the 200-run mark
Batting first, West Indies were off to a sluggish start as Charles (0), Brooks (0) and Mayers (5) failed to make an impact. Hope (13) and Pooran (21) also did not capitalize on their innings as the Caribbean side was left struggling at 60/5. Jason Holder (45) and Romario Shephard (36) then came to the rescue and stitched a crucial 77-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
However, West Indies played at a very poor strike rate and could only manage to post a mere 181-run total in their first innings of 20 overs. For Scotland, McMullen (3/32) starred in the bowling attack whereas Sole, Watt and Greaves claimed a couple of wickets each.
Scotland Ease Past the Chase with 7 Wickets in Hand
Chasing a modest total of 182 runs, Scotland was off to a nightmare start after losing McBride for a golden duck. However, Matthew Cross (74) and Brandon McMullen (69) then took charge and powered a match-winning partnership of 125 runs for the second wicket. In the end, Munsey (18) and Berrington (13) guided Scotland to a 7-wicket victory as they chased the total in 43.1 overs.
For West Indies, Jason Holder (1/37), Romario Shephard, (1/28) and Akeal Hosein (1/24) chipped in a wicket apiece while other West Indies players failed to even suffocate Scotland’s run flow.
WI vs SCO WC 2023 Qualifiers Highlights:
Brief scores: West Indies 181 in 43.5 overs (Jason Holder 45, Romario Shepherd 36; Brandon McMullen 3/32, Mark Watt 2/25) lost to Scotland 185/3 in 43.3 overs (Matthew Cross 74*, Brandon McMullen 69; Akeal Hosein 1/26) by 7 wickets
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