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Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier Tips - Qualification on the line for the hosts

By Sridhar Bhamidi

03 Jul 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 03 Jul 2023

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Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier predictions to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday afternoon, IST
Zimbabwe have won 5 of their last 6 ODIs
Scotland have failed to score more than 15 for their opening wicket in their last 5 ODIs
Sean Williams has scored 6 knocks of 50 or more in his last 8 ODIs
Can Zimbabwe seal their progression with a win?

Can Zimbabwe seal their qualification with a win over Scotland? (Getty Images)

Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabwe will look to lock their World Cup spot when they take on surprise package Scotland. This Super Six match #6 of the ICC World Cup qualifier will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier
Head to Head
Zimbabwe Form
Zimbabwe Team News
Scotland Form
Scotland Team News

Zimbabwe need a win to secure their passage to India as the second qualifier behind Sri Lanka. A defeat would open up the doors for Scotland, who have shown against the Windies that they can’t be taken lightly. It is the opening partnership that is of interest to me and I am backing Zimbabwe to post the better numbers there.

Zimbabwe have won 5 of their last 6 matches (ODIs)
Scotland’s last 5 opening partnerships have all been less than 15 runs (ODIs)
Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams has scored 6 knocks of 50 or more in his last 8 matches (ODIs)
Brandon McMullen has scored 2 knocks of 50 or more in his last 3 matches (ODIs)

Head to Head

These two sides have met only three times with each team winning once and one game ending in a tie. That famous tie was in March 2018 in the previous World Cup qualifier that eventually spoiled Zimbabwe’s chances.

Zimbabwe Form

Zimbabwe were cruising in the tournament with five straight wins until they were halted by Sri Lanka last Sunday. That nine-wicket defeat put things into perspective as the hosts are still not guaranteed the second spot.

Sean Williams has been the standout player for the hosts with 588 runs from his six innings this series. He has scored three 100s and two 50s during that sequence.

With the ball, Richard Ngarava with 13 wickets has been Zimbabwe’s leading light. He had able support from Sikandar Raza who has taken nine wickets so far. The pitch should suit the hosts who have an array of options to choose from.

Zimbabwe Team News

Zimbabwe replaced Tendai Chatara with Brad Evans in their last match which was more of a strategic change. Chatara could make a comeback in this game.

Scotland Form

Scotland are coming off a stunning seven-wicket win over West Indies that kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive. They still have a game against the Netherlands after this, but need to win here to have any chance of reaching the finals.

The Scottish had a new star in their midst with the all-rounder Brandon McMullen shining in both departments. He has 224 runs in the tournament for them and has taken ten wickets.

Apart from McMullen, Richie Berrington’s 220 runs have been valuable for Scotland, who have Chris Greaves as their best bowler with 12 wickets.

Scotland Team News

Scotland could retain the same team that shocked West Indies in their last match.

Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier FAQs

Where can I watch the Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream.

What time does Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier start?

This Zimbabwe vs Scotland ICC World Cup Qualifier will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday starting at 12:30pm IST.

Verdict

Zimbabwe are unlikely to leave things late as they have been once bitten by Scotland. The Scottish will have no fear in pushing for things as they look to remain in contention for the World Cup qualification. It could be an interesting battle overall, but one that may not be close at the top of the order. Scotland have struggled for runs from their openers and this could continue here. I am backing Zimbabwe to score more runs for the first wicket, while Sean Williams looks set to once again be in the runs.