Caribbean cricket hit a new low on Saturday (July 1) as they were eliminated from the upcoming ODI World Cup race after a seven-wicket thrashing at the hands of Scotland in the third match of the Super Six round of the World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19, will be the first edition to not feature the West Indies, who won the first two editions of the tournament in 1975 and 1979.
Defeats to Zimbabwe and Netherlands in the group stages mean that West Indies needed to be at their very best against Scotland to keep their World Cup hopes alive. However, the Shai Hope-led side failed to rise to the occasion in a must-win game at Harare Sports Club.
Invited to bat first, West Indies’ innings folded for a paltry 181 in 43.5 overs. It was a listless batting performance as no one managed to hit a half-century. Jason Holder was the top scorer with 45.
In reply, Scotland rode on half-centuries from Matthew Cross (74*) and Brandon McMullen (69) to overhaul the target with 39 deliveries to spare.
Cricket fraternity was left disappointed after the Men in Maroon were knocked out of the 2023 World Cup qualification race.
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