Scotland have been knocked out of the World T20 following their second defeat in three days at the hands of Zimbabwe

Sean Williams hit a well-made 53 as Zimbabwe posted 147-7 from their 20 overs, before Wellington Masakadza's four wickets helped dismiss the Scots for 136.

Afghanistan's subsequent win against Hong Kong has set up a winner-takes-all clash against Zimbabwe, with the victor heading to the main tournament. 

Running woes stall Zimbabwe's early progress

Having won the toss and chose to bat, Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza saw a good start by himself wasted once more, after being run out in comical fashion for the second-game on the trott. This time around, he clashed with fellow opener Vusi Sibanda in the middle of the pitch, which led to an easy run-out for Kyle Coetzer at cover. 

Sibanda was knocked-down by Masakadza and took a couple of minutes himself before continuing his innings. He didn't last much longer at the crease though, and was dismissed for four, to leave Zimbabwe in trouble at 19-2. 

With the openers dismissed, Zimbabwe then regrouped through Sean Williams and Richmond Mutumbami who helped to get the side going in the right direction. Mutumbami's innings came to an end on 19, but he had added some much-needed impetus with a pair of fours and a big six. 

Williams oozes class in match-winning 53

The middle-overs completely belonged to Zimbabwe and Williams, who's ability against the spinners came to the fore. His 53 off 36 balls was full of sweeps and paddles as he pushed the Africans towards a match-winning total.

Sean Williams in full-flow against Scotland (image via: Christopher Lee-IDI)
Sean Williams in full-flow against Scotland (image via: Christopher Lee-IDI)

He was joined in a solid 38-run partnership by Malcolm Waller (13), who then handed over to the big-hitting Elton Chigumbura. The former Northamptonshire all-rounder smoked a big six in his quickfire 20, setting Scotland a target of 148 to keep their competition alive. 

Chatara shines as Scotland top order collapses 

After restricting Zimbabwe well, Scotland needed a solid start equal to the one they got in their opener against Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the complete opposite happened and they were in disarray early, falling to 20-4 after just 19 deliveries. 

George Munsey was the first man to go, stumped by Mutumbami off Wellington Masakadza for eight in the first over, after charging down the pitch recklessly. 

The next over saw Matthew Cross edge Tendai Chatara behind for a golden duck, followed by Matt Machan in the third over who was caught off the bowling of Masakadza. 

Chatara's dismissal of the dangerous Kyle Coetzer in the fourth over meant that Scotland had lost a wicket in each of the first four overs of the innings, leaving them in an extremely perilous position.

Scotland fall short by 11 runs after brilliant fightback

At 42-5 after eight overs, it looked like all hope was lost for the Scots. That wasn't the case however, as Richie Berrington and skipper, Preston Mommsen went about putting the pressure back on Zimbabwe. 

Their counter-attack saw Scotland put on over 50 runs in six overs, with Mommsen in particular impressing. It took a strong catch from sub-fielder Chamu Chibhabha to finally bring his knock to the end for 31, again off the bowling of Masakadza. 

Masakadza's fourth victim was Safyaan Sharif who was stumped by Mutumbami for one, which then bought Josh Davey to the crease as Scotland went in search of another partnership. 

Davey took no time at all to get going, blasting a pair of big sixes to give Scotland hope, but the rate required was still hovering around 12-an-over when Berrington perished off the bowling of Donald Tiripano

Davey was then caught by Sikandar Raza off the bowling of Tinashe Panyangara for 24 off 13 balls, and when Tiripano bowled Alasdair Evans in the final over, Scotland's hopes of qualification went up in smoke. 

The 11-run win means that Zimbabwe will qualify for the main event if they can beat Afghanistan in their final Group A game on Saturday. 

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