The West Indies are out of contention for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, after losing to Scotland in their first Super Six match-up of the Qualifier tournament.
Defending a modest total, the West Indies were not able to contain the Scottish, who won quite easily with 39 balls to spare
After being put in to bat on a tricky Harare Sports Club surface, the Men in Maroon were unable to effectively navigate the new ball, losing their first three wickets within 6.5 overs. Captain Shai Hope (13 from 16 balls) and Nicholas Pooran (21 from 43 balls) put up some resistance, with a partnership of 30 runs, before the former was caught behind in the 13th over.
The highlight of the innings came via the seventh wicket partnership between Jason Holder (45 from 79 balls) and Romario Shepherd (36 from 43 balls). They momentarily steadied the West Indies’; innings, putting 77 runs on the board.
However, once that partnership was broken, wickets kept falling at regular intervals and the West Indies were only able to get a score of 181, before being bowled out with 6.1 overs left in the innings.
The standout bowler for Scotland was Brandon McMullen, who bowled nine overs on the trot at the beginning of the innings and picked up figures of 3-32. He was ably assisted by Chris Sole (2-43), Mark Watt (2-25) and leg-spinner, Chris Greaves (2-30).
The West Indies defense of the low total started as good as possible, with opener Christopher McBride falling on the first ball of the innings, clipping a low full toss from Jason Holder to Kevin Sinclair at mid-on. However, wickets were difficult to come by thereafter, with wicketkeeper Matthew Cross (74 from 107 balls) and McMullen (69 from 106 balls) putting on a partnership of 125 runs.
Eventually, captain Richard Berrington (13 from 14 balls) joined Cross at the crease to see the Scottish home, scoring 185-3.
Speaking to CWI Media after the match, Hope said: “Firstly, we need to identify the areas in which we need to improve and do so quickly.” He continued, “collectively, we didn’t play our best cricket and we understand that. We need to move on from here.”
With Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka currently on six points each, the loss means that the West Indies earning a spot at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be played in India in October and November. The West Indies will play Oman on Wednesday, 5 July and Sri Lanka on Friday, 7 July to close out their campaign.
SOURCE: Cricket West Indies
I told you’ll Sammy was the wrong guy
BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!!!! WE LOST TO SCOTLAND??? WHAT ASHAME!!!!🏴
Well people would want to blame Sammy but infact the entire composite of the WICB needs to be ashamed of themselves. Sammy inherited junk for a team and eff RS comment. As many including him attribute to the grave yard collapse of the WICB. Sammy will add credibility to his resume but in other words he shouldn’t have taken up the post.
West.Indies played to Loose what an Embarrasment
In Basketball the coach is sacked after a poor season. In soccer, the same rule applies. I am waiting to see what happens in Cricket.
Sammy is not responsible for that lost. He was just filling a position that had just been vacated, even though it will forever be on his record. Worst performance in history. Let us look at the composition of the defeated team. Four are current or past captains of the West Indies. Most have played in other franchises and all have experience. Sammy inherited that failure. He certainly did not create it. Team selection plays a big roll in performance. Powell, Smith, and Brooks have been out of form for a while, whereas Althanaze, Cornell and Da Silva have played consistently well lately. I believe we have the talent but not the right mix. If I were Sammy I would resign from that post. These guys are uncoachable and secondly there are too many critics (distractions) Let them have it. Small island, big island.