Bulawayo (Zimbabwe): A hard-fought 31-run victory over hosts Zimbabwe kept Scotland in the hunt for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification.
Ryan Burl’s 83 looked as though it might get the hosts out of trouble, but he was dismissed by Michael Leask, Scotland’s hero on the day, taking Zimbabwe’s hopes with him.
The win moves Scotland level with Zimbabwe on six points in the Super Six, with one match still to play against the Netherlands.
With the Dutch also on four points, that game will decide who joins Sri Lanka in qualifying for the World Cup.
Zimbabwe could have secured a place in India with a win in this game, but instead see their hopes of qualification ended, with their net run-rate worse than both the Dutch and the Scots.
The other game of the day saw Ireland come out on top in a thriller against Nepal, winning by two wickets with four balls to spare to claim seventh place.
Scotland knock out hosts to set up decider
Big hitting down the order and crucial wickets saw Leask become Scotland’s hero.
Knowing that only a win would do in Bulawayo, Scotland battled to 234 for eight from their 50 overs, before some inspired bowling carried them through, despite Burl’s best efforts. (ICC Media)
