The two-time World Cup winners West Indies were knocked out in the qualifying matches on Saturday in Zimbabwe and will not be part of the ODI World Cup for the first time.
West Indies will not participate in the men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup for the first time after falling to Scotland in their Super Six match at the qualification competition in Zimbabwe on Saturday by a score of 7 wickets.
Scotland chose to bat after winning the toss and held the two-time defending champions to 181 all out in 43.5 overs. The best bowler was Brandon McMullen, who finished with three for 32 in nine overs. Scotland easily achieved their goal of 185 for three in 43.3 overs, accomplishing it thanks to McMullen’s 69 and Matthew Cross‘ undefeated 74.
“We need to look at all areas. We have let ourselves down at this tournament. We have to go one way from here and that is up,” the captain, Shai Hope, said at the post-match presentation. “I don’t think we gave that 100% effort every single time. We only did it in patches.”
Hope suggested the team’s buildup to the tournament was not ideal either, as they sent a second-string side to the United Arab Emirates. They played day-night internationals on tour, while Zimbabwe got used to starting at 9am on fresh African winter mornings, where the ball has moved around.
“Better planning is required. Without that support from [the cricket board] at home, we can’t expect to be a top side,” Hope added. The team’s sole victories in five games came against Nepal and the United States, a dismal showing for a group that won the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 despite the team’s injuries and illnesses.