HARARE: The West Indies, two-time champions of the Cricket World Cup, failed to qualify for the prestigious tournament for the first time in history after suffering a comprehensive seven-wicket loss to Scotland in the qualifying event on Saturday.
Needing a victory to keep their slim hopes of qualification alive, the Caribbean side faltered and were bowled out for a modest total of 181 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Scotland then comfortably chased down the target with 6.3 overs to spare in Harare, securing a memorable win.
Shai Hope’s men now find themselves with zero points and only two matches remaining in the Super Six stage in Zimbabwe. They previously suffered defeats at the hands of the hosts and the Netherlands, leaving them unable to secure a spot in the World Cup.
The upcoming global one-day showpiece, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, will be notable for the absence of one of cricket’s traditional powerhouses, the West Indies.
Scotland gained revenge for their agonizing loss to the West Indies in the previous World Cup Qualifier in 2018, where they narrowly missed out on qualification. This time, they achieved their first-ever one-day international victory against their opponents, boosting their own chances of qualifying for the tournament.
With just two points separating them from Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, the top two teams who will qualify for the 10-team event, Scotland now face crucial matches against Zimbabwe on Tuesday and the Netherlands two days later.
Scotland Dashes West Indies’ Hopes
The West Indies’ hopes were dashed early on by the impressive seam bowling attack from Scotland. The Caribbean team found themselves struggling at 81-6 after losing the toss and being put into bat. Brandon McMullen, a young all-rounder, played a key role by dismissing the top three West Indian batsmen, finishing with figures of 3-32 from nine overs.
Despite a brief fightback from Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, Scotland’s spinners maintained pressure on the West Indies. Shepherd was dismissed for 36 with an excellent catch by Safyaan Sharif off the bowling of Mark Watt, while Holder fell lbw to Chris Greaves shortly after. The West Indies lost their last four wickets for just 23 runs.
In their chase, the West Indies found a glimmer of hope when Holder removed Scotland opener Christopher McBride with the first delivery of their innings. However, a commanding 125-run partnership for the second wicket between McMullen and Matthew Cross put Scotland in a commanding position.
McMullen departed after scoring 69 runs, but the result was already all but certain. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein dismissed George Munsey when Scotland needed 20 runs, leaving Cross to guide his team home with an unbeaten 74 off 107 balls.
The West Indies, having previously participated in every Cricket World Cup, including winning the first two editions in 1975 and 1979, will now face the disappointment of missing out on the tournament for the first time in their storied history.
