Zimbabwe’s Under-19 cricket team kept their hopes of automatically qualifying for the next edition of the World Cup alive after registering a dominant 108-run victory in their Plate Competition quarter-final encounter in Port of Spain on Wednesday.
After Matthew Welch’s 78 helped Zimbabwe to set Scotland a tricky chase of 249, Scotland were unable to build partnerships as they slumped to 140 all out.
An all-round performance helps Zimbabwe register a 108-run victory over Scotland in the third Plate quarter-final 👏#ZIMvSCO | #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/i4LNKHUREP
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 26, 2022
The big win means Zimbabwe are one win away from securing automatic qualification for the next ICC Under-19 World Cup ahead of their Plate Competition semi-final against Ireland on Saturday.
Earlier Zimbabwe’s innings was set up by the 78 from opener Matthew Welch and Brian
Before his three-for, David Bennett scored a handy 41-ball 35, and despite a lower-order collapse, the hosts finished on 248. Welch, who scored seven fours and a six in his 117-ball stay, put on 112 for the second wicket with Brian Bennett to lay the foundation in the Zimbabwe innings.
In reply, Scotland were restricted by good bowling from Zimbabwe, Charlie Tear was first to go bowled leg before wicket by Mcgini Dube before Bennett and Emmanuel Bawa got in on the act.
Left-arm spinner Mitchell then picked up the next three wickets as Scotland slumped to 105 for six with 26 overs remaining.
Scotland’s collapse continued as Bennet also claimed three wickets including the final wicket of Ruaridh McIntyre to bowl out Scotland for a 108-run win and to advance to the Plate League semi-finals.
Zimbabwe will be joined in the semi-finals by the hosts West Indies who were too good for Papua New Guinea in a 169-run win.
The West Indies will now face the United Arab Emirates, while Papua New Guinea are set to take on Uganda in the Plate play-offs.