Vusumuzi Dube
Brandon Moyo , Sports Reporter
SCOTLAND have set their eyes on making it three wins in a row and effectively securing a spot in the Super Six of the on-going 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers which are taking place in Zimbabwe.
The Scots opened their campaign with wins over Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are confident of making it three out of three when they go up against Oman at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) today.
Scotland will be hoping to upset Oman who also have two wins under their belts from three matches. They have played one match less than their opponents, Oman. Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Scotland batter, Michael Leask said every game they take part in during this tournament is a must-win and is confident of upsetting a tough Oman side who have had a good tournament.
“If we can pick a win from every game, that’s an absolute bonus. We are treating every game as the first of the tournament and tomorrow (today) will be no different. Oman again are a very strong opposition so if we can pick on them and pick a win that would be absolutely great but the ball will keep rolling but like we said, we are treating every game like it’s a first one,” said captain Richie Berrington.
Leask has been influential with the bat for Scotland in their first two opening matches. In their tournament opener against Ireland, Leask played an innings for the ages to help his side secure a hard-fought last ball one wicket over, finishing on an unbeaten 91 runs.
On Friday against UAE, Leask did not stay long in the middle but made a notable contribution of 41 runs having faced 46 deliveries. It was Scotland skipper, Berrington who starred with the bat, top scoring with 127 runs from 136 balls.
Leask added that the stakes are high as the next stage of the tournament, the Super Six, is fast approaching and will have to give all their remaining games their all.
Scotland has been losing early wickets in their matches and the middle order batter believes it will be a good opportunity for other batters batting in the middle and lower order to capitalize on and also with the ball, when someone stands up and takes wickets it will be good for the team result.
Scotland on four points, are sitting in second place tied with top placed Sri Lanka. Their opponents,
Oman are in third place with the same number of points. Ireland and UAE are yet to register victories.
On the other side of town at Queens Sports Club, table toppers Sri Lanka will be up against Ireland who will be looking to redeem themselves in the tournament.
All the teams are in Group B and the top three will proceed to the Super Six where they will face the top three from Group A which consists of Nepal, United States of America (USA), Netherlands, West Indies and the hosts, Zimbabwe.
The top two teams from the Super Six will proceed to the final, and book their places to the World Cup in October in India.
— Follow on Twitter @brandon_malvin
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