Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir backed West Indies to become the No.1 team in the world cricket after the two-time champions failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup.
West Indies suffered a major setback as they failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 48 years. They were knocked out of the qualifiers after losing to Scotland. In the Super 6 match on July 1, West Indies went from 81/6 to being all out for 181. Scotland comfortably chased down the target, keeping their slim hopes of qualifying alive.
WI, once a formidable team, now face a tragic situation. They had a golden era under the leadership of Clive Lloyd, winning the World Cup in 1975 and 1979. However, Gambhir expressed his admiration for West Indies, saying: “I love West Indies. I love West Indian cricket. I still believe they can be the No.1 team in world cricket!”
Scotland celebrated a historic victory over West Indies, thanks to an outstanding performance by Brandon McMullen, boosting their chances of qualifying for the World Cup. McMullen showcased his talent with both bat and ball, claiming three wickets for 32 runs and contributing a crucial 69 runs during Scotland’s chase.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Scotland’s decision paid off as McMullen quickly dismissed Johnson Charles and Shamarh Brooks for ducks, while Chris Sole removed Kyle Mayers. West Indies struggled at 30 for four, but a 77-run partnership between Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd provided some hope. However, their dismissals, including a remarkable catch by Safyaan Sharif, triggered a collapse. Scotland’s bowlers, including Sole and Chris Greaves, secured two wickets each, bowling out West Indies for 181.
In pursuit of victory, Scotland lost an early wicket but McMullen and Matthew Cross took charge, displaying excellent strike rotation and punishing loose deliveries. McMullen reached his half-century, followed shortly by Cross, who found momentum with three consecutive boundaries. Despite losing McMullen and George Munsey, Captain Richie Berrington joined Cross to guide Scotland to a historic triumph. Cross sealed the deal with a powerful pull through deep mid-wicket, securing victory with 6.3 overs to spare.
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