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West Indies Knocked Out Of World Cup 2023 | Brandon McMullen Leads Scotland to a Clinical Win

image-ljk16wl0Matthew Cross and Brandon McMullen stitched a match-winning stand [Source: AP]

The 24th match of the ongoing ICC World Cup qualifiers witnessed Scotland force a massive upset, defeating West Indies by seven wickets in Harare. Batting first, West Indies could manage a meagre 181, which Scotland chased without breaking a sweat, courtesy of scintillating half-centuries from Brandon McMullen and Matthew Cross. The West Indies' hopes to qualify for the ICC World Cup have been shattered with this embarrassing defeat. So, the two-time champions won't be participating in the marquee event for the very first time since its inception in 1975. 


Scottish bowlers run riot as West Indies manage a paltry total

image-ljk15e0bWest Indies were reduced to 181 [Source: AP]

After being put into bat first, West Indies had a disastrous start to their innings, as Brandon McMullen jolted them with early breakthroughs, dismissing Johnson Charles, Brandon King and Shamarh Brooks in quick succession. The West Indian ship sank further with the departure of Kyle Mayers and Shai Hope, who managed 5 and 13 runs, respectively. 

Although Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd stitched a 77-run stand, their wickets opened the floodgates for West Indies. Their tail-enders fell like a pack of cards, as they were bowled out for only 181 in 43.5 overs. 

McMullen was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball for Scotland with a spectacular three-fer, while Chris Sole, Mark Watt and Chris Greaves chipped in with two wickets each. 


McMullen and Cross slam fifties to help Scotland record an emphatic victory

Chasing a modest 182-run target, Scotland suffered an early setback, losing Christopher McBride for a duck in the first delivery. 

However, Brandon McMullen and Matthew Cross steadied the ship for Scotland, forming a match-winning partnership of 125 runs for the second wicket. While McMullen struck six boundaries for his 106-ball 69, Cross held his composure for a match-defining 74*-run knock. 

Their valiant efforts didn't go in vain, as Scotland chased the target successfully, with 39 balls and seven wickets to spare. 


Brief Scores

West Indies: 181 (43.5)
Jason Holder 45 (79), Romario Shepherd 36 (43);
Brandon McMullen 3/32 (9), Mark Watt 2/25 (7)

Scotland: 185/3 (43.3)
Matthew Cross 74* (107), Brandon McMullen 69 (106);
Akeal Hosein 1/26 (10), Romario Shepherd 1/28 (6.3)

Scotland won by seven wickets.