ICC World Cup : Zimbabwe knocked out!

Fate was in Zimbabwe's hands. A win against Scotland today would have secured a ticket for Zimbabwe to play in the finals of the World Cup. But with a loss of 31 runs, Zimbabwe went the other way. The journey of Craig Irvine's team ended in the qualifying round of the World Cup. Zimbabwe is not playing in the World Cup like last time.

Two teams from the qualifiers will play in the finals of the World Cup. Sri Lanka have already confirmed their place in the finals. There was one place left. A win for Zimbabwe today would fill the void. But Zimbabwe dropped to third in the points table with 6 points in 5 matches. Losing by 31 runs, Zimbabwe has fallen behind the fourth-placed Netherlands in net run rate. The Scots will again face the Netherlands in the final match. Which means that even if Scotland loses in that match, Zimbabwe has no chance of becoming two.

Scotland will play the last match against the Netherlands tomorrow. If this match is won, Scotland will reach the finals. But lose? If the Netherlands win by a big margin, the Dutch will advance to the finals of the World Cup.

The Kings of Sikandar were heartbroken today at the Queen's Sports Park in Bulawayo. Batting first, Scotland set a target of 235 runs to win. Zimbabwe chased down this run and lost 5 wickets for 91 runs in the 18th over. From here Ryan Burl and Wellesley Madhevere kept Zimbabwe's hopes alive with a 74-ball 73-run partnership.

After the return of Madhevere (40) with the team 164 runs, Berl kept one end. With 12 overs in hand, Zimbabwe were 48 runs away from victory, with just 2 wickets in hand – Barl didn't realize his team was on the brink. But after Burl's dismissal in the 39th over, there was nothing more to do. For that Burl will probably blame himself for the rest of his life.

Burl hit a four off the second ball and a six off the third ball of the over by Scotland left-arm spinner Michael Liske. Burl couldn't contain himself as the fourth ball fell at length. Caught while hitting mid-wicket for a six. His innings of 83 runs off 84 balls will add to the regret. After being bowled out for 197 runs, Zimbabwe were all out for 203 runs in 41.1 overs, losing the last wicket by picking up only 6 runs. Chris Sole took 3 wickets for 33 runs for Scotland.

Before batting, Scotland stopped at 234 for 8 wickets. Nobody got a fifty but the Scots put up a fighting score in a team effort. Michael Lisk scored 48 runs off 34 balls. Opener Matthew Cross scored 38 runs. Shaun Williams took 3 wickets for 41 runs for Zimbabwe.

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