Gautam Gambhir. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)
Scotland achieved a spectacular result on Saturday, July 1, as they made light work of the West Indies in a Super Sixes fixture at the Harare Sports Club in the World Cup Qualifiers. Richie Berrington and Co. defeated the two-time ODI World Cup champions by seven wickets to keep their qualification hopes alive.
West Indies began their campaign in Zimbabwe with a couple of wins against the USA and Nepal. However, things went downhill when they lost to hosts Zimbabwe by 35 runs on June 24. This was followed by a loss in the Super Over to the Netherlands. Shai Hope‘s men hobbled into the Super Sixes and had to win all their remaining matches to entertain hopes of qualification to the World Cup. However, things didn’t work out in their favour, as they were outplayed by the Scottish team in all departments.
Former India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, came out in support of West Indies cricket and backed them to turn things around. Gambhir tweeted the following:
“I love West Indies
I love West Indian cricket
I still believe they can be the No.1 team in world cricket!”
I love West Indies
I love West Indian cricket
I still believe they can be the No.1 team in world cricket!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 1, 2023
Brandon McMullen’s all-round show dismantles West Indies
After opting to bowl first, Richie Berrington handed the new ball to Brandon McMullen, and the all-rounder didn’t disappoint. He picked up three wickets inside the first six overs and put West Indies on the back foot.
Thanks to Jason Holder’s 45 off 79 and Romario Shepherd’s 36 off 43, West Indies managed to get to 181 to have something to bowl at. However, that something proved to be too little as the Scottish batters reached the target with 39 balls and seven wickets to spare. McMullen scored a patient 106-ball 69 while Matthew Cross remained unbeaten on 74 to register a famous win.