Heartbreak for Saltires as Zimbabwe snatch draw

Scotland suffered heartbreak after being bowled out in the final over to tie with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers.

Brad Wheal was out caught behind at the start of the 50th over as Zimbabwe claimed a tie in Bulawayo that sees them finish top of Group B, with already-qualified Scotland having to settle for second.

The tourists looked dead and buried at 173 for eight in pursuit of Zimbabwe’s 210, but a ninth-wicket partnership of 36 appeared to put them on the brink of a sensational victory.

However, with two runs needed off seven balls and two wickets in hand, they lost Mark Watt holing out going for victory in the penultimate over before Wheal fell two balls later.

The Saltires had appeared well-placed to progress with an unblemished record after bowling Zimbabwe out for just 210 earlier on, with Safyaan Sharif taking five for 33.

Michael Leask chipped in with four for 37 and Wheal claimed a wicket, while Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine anchored the hosts’ innings with 44 and 57 respectively.

In-form Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer was dismissed for 39, with Matt Cross, Tom Sole and Calum MacLeod all falling cheaply.

Richie Berrington got stuck in with 47 but there was a lack of support as Scotland slipped to 173 for eight.

However, Leask was joined at the crease by Watt and together the pair added 36 before Watt attempted one big shot too many and was out caught.

Blessing Muzarabani held his nerve with the ball, despite a wide with his first delivery, to have Wheal caught behind and nick a tie which leaves Zimbabwe top of the group, with Scotland and Afghanistan also qualifying.