West Indies knocked out of World Cup qualifiers after Scotland loss

Following a thumping seven-wicket loss to Scotland at the Harare Sports Club, West Indies have been knocked out of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023, meaning they will be taking no part in the forthcoming 50-over World Cup in October / November. 

This is the first ever instance of the Windies not featuring in the ODI World Cup, having played in each of the previous 12 editions. They were the champions of the first two editions of the ODI World Cup, in 1975 and 1979 respectively. 

The failure to qualify for the 50-over World Cup comes on the back of them not making it to the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, after finishing bottom of Group B in the first round, behind Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland.

The Windies entered the Qualifiers as the second-highest ranked of the 10 teams and made it through to the Super Six stage despite losing to both Zimbabwe and Netherlands in the round robin stage. Against the Netherlands, Shai Hope’s side lost despite putting 374 on the board; Netherlands equalled the scores and then scored 30 runs in the Super Over to pocket the clash.

Windies hence entered the Harare Sports Club on Saturday needing to win the Scotland clash at all costs, but, on the day, got thumped by the Richie Berrington-led side, losing by 7 wickets after getting bundled out for 181. 

But while West Indies have been knocked out, Saturday’s result has significantly boosted Scotland’s chances of making it through to the main stage. They now have 4 points on the board, and can still qualify if they handsomely beat Zimbabwe, and if one of Sri Lanka / Zimbabwe lose each of their next two games.