Scotland end Zimbabwe's hopes of 2023 ODI World Cup qualification

Hosts Zimbabwe faced Scotland on Tuesday in a crucial encounter in the Super Six of the ODI World Cup Qualifiers at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Richie Berrington's men managed to emerge victorious by 31 runs, thanks to some disciplined bowling and have ended Zimbabwe's chances of qualifying for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.

Zimbabwe had no hesitation in opting to bowl first after winning the toss. Scotland had a sedate start as their opening pair put on 56 runs in 16 overs. The second-wicket partnership was also a decent one as Scotland reached 102/1 in 25 overs.

However, the European nation suffered a middle-order collapse. The Scotts were in desperate need of some runs from their lower order and it didn't disappoint. The eighth-wicket partnership added 46 runs while the ninth-wicket partnership added another 18 to take them to 234/8 in 50 overs.

Zimbabwe, who had been in fine form in the tournament thus far, got off to a bad start as opener Joylord Gumbie was dismissed off the first ball in the second innings. Things went from bad to worse quite quickly for the hosts as they were reduced to 37/4 and then 91/5.

Ryan Burl played a fine knock of 83 in 84 balls but in the end, he was left with too much to do. The Craig Ervine-led side lost by 31 runs, getting all out inside the 42nd over. Chris Sole did the damage for Scotland with the new ball as the pacer took three wickets and was fittingly awarded Player of the Match.

The Netherlands in contention thanks to Scotland's win

Scotland weren't the only ones who benefitted from their win against Zimbabwe. The result also benefitted the Netherlands as they are now in with a chance to book the flight to India.

The Netherlands will lock horns with Scotland on Thursday in what will effectively be a playoff game as a spot in the upcoming ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in India in October-November, hangs in the balance.