Masakadza was named Man of the Match for his career-best figures of 4/28 off four overs
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Scotland’s hopes of progressing to the Super 10 stage of the World Twenty20 came to an end when Zimbabwe beat them by 11 runs in Nagpur.
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe found themselves on the back foot as Scotland reduced them to 67/4 in the 11th over.
However, Zimbabwe launched a major comeback through all-rounder Sean Williams as he smashed a sensational 53, which came off 36 balls and included six boundaries.
Williams scored his third Twenty20 International fifty
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
With Elton Chigumbura adding a quickfire 20 towards the end of the innings, Zimbabwe finished on 147/7 off their 20 overs.
Alasdair Evans, Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharif picked up two wickets apiece.
Chasing 148 to win, Richie Berrington, captain Preston Mommsen and Josh Davey were the only batsmen to make decent contributions as they scored 36, 31 and 24 respectively.
With none of the other batsmen reaching double figures, Scotland found themselves short of their target and saw their hopes of progressing to the Super 10 stage of the World Twenty20 go up in smoke.
Wellington Masakadza was the most successful bowler with four wickets, while Tendai Chatara and Donald Tiripano snapped up two wickets apiece. Williams and Tinashe Panyangara meanwhile claimed one wicket each.
Mommsen was gutted to have lost the match, and said: “It was a difficult start. We got to a better position to have a crack, but unfortunately on the losing end. It would have been different had we got that partnership going further.”
Zimbabwe skipper Hamilton Masakadza was delighted to have emerged victorious, and said: “We have been playing well. The guys are gelling well. The boys are believing a bit more, and that’s paying off. I think Sibanda is going to be alright. It was a mishap today. We are looking to turn things around against Afghanistan.”
Wellington Masakadza was named Man of the Match, and said: “This has been a long time coming. I am trying to help my team qualify. I tried to pick up wickets and put them under pressure early on. Richmond has been struggling a little, but today he did well.”