Ireland Lose World Cup Qualifier to Zimbabwe

Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s Cricket World Cup took a massive blow this week when they lost in disappointing fashion in a qualifying match to Zimbabwe. Ireland was defeated by 107 runs in their Super Sixes match on Friday.

With Afghanistan surprisingly defeating West Indies on Thursday, there are now just two spots remaining for the 2019 World Cup, with five teams vying for said vacancies.

The setback is a serious hindrance to the Irish’s chances of qualifying. Even securing wins over Scotland and Afghanistan in their next two qualification matches may not be enough to get in. Scotland took a step toward qualifying with a victory over the United Arab Emirates by 73 runs on Thursday.

Zimbabwe made 211-9 on their 50 overs in the win over Ireland, with Sikandar Raza accounting for 69. Ireland were bowled out for 104 in 34.2 overs, with Paul Stirling leading the way with 41. Obviously, it wasn’t enough.

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Scotland tied with Zimbabwe earlier in the week, which makes Ireland’s result look even worse. Gary Wilson returned to the Irish lineup after missing a few days for the birth of his child. He replaced Simi Singh, who served as the captain during the team’s win over the UAE on Monday.

Zimbabwe and Scotland are now tied atop the Super Sixes table with five points apiece. UAE are bottom with no points through three matches, while West Indies are third on four points. Ireland have picked up just two points through three matches, which is tied with Afghanistan.

The 2019 Cricket World Cup will be hosted by England and Wales and will start on May 30th of next year. England automatically qualified for the tournament as the host nation, while Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia are in, as well.

Ireland have been ousted in the group stages of each of the last two Cricket World Cups. Australia won their fifth title as hosts last time around, with New Zealand falling just short as runners-up.

Ireland’s Super Sixes will next be in action against Scotland on Sunday, with the final qualification match set for Friday, March 23, against Afghanistan.