West Indies, the two-time former world champions, have failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023 later this year in India, after a shock defeat against Scotland in the qualifier tournament at Harare Sports Club. They have been a part of 12 consecutive editions of the quadrennial event, winning it back-to-back during 1975 and 1979, both at the Lord’s in London.
On July 1, Saturday, in the match 23rd of the ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023, during the Super Six stage, Scotland captain Richie Berrington won the toss and chose to field first in Harare. West Indies had a poor start in the powerplay as they lost four of their top-order wickets inside the powerplay. At one stage, they were 81/6, staring down at the potential of getting bundled out under 100.
But then, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd put together a 77-run partnership to bring some respectability to their team’s score. Eventually, West Indies were bundled out for 181, with Brandon McMullen picking up three wickets for the Scottish.
In their run chase, Scotland lost the wicket of Christopher McBride on the first ball of the innings. Brandon McMullen joined Matthew Cross in the middle at the Harare Sports Club to create a 125-run stand for the second wicket to help their side achieve victory by seven wickets.
Shortly after the loss, the Twitteratis had choice words for the demise of the West Indies team in ODI cricket. Some of the best reactions to their defeat against Scotland are as under:
Notably, after playing their final two matches of the ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023 against Oman and Sri Lanka, the West Indies cricket team are scheduled to take on India at home in an all-format series from July 12 onwards.