Scotland, Zimbabwe and a race to the finish

NICK HOWSON: The knock-out stage starts a few weeks early as the top two sides in Group B vie for what is likely to be one place in the Super 12s

Regardless of what you think of the current format of the men's T20 World Cup, which forces eight sides to qualify for the second phase, it is undoubtedly working as an entertainment product.

Not fair, not right and out of step but the end result has been some thrilling cricket.

After Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Namibia battled it out to progress from Group A in two thrilling last-round matches, Group B serves up an equally intriguing final chapter.

Scotland came within 10.3 overs of reaching the Super 12s. Ireland were 61 for 4 in pursuit of 177 to win and needed a minor miracle. But a miracle is what they delivered, in the form of Curtis Campher and George Dockrell's 119-run partnership in 57 balls. 

But the Scots don't see the game as a case of bouncing back from defeat, but more an opportunity to build on beating 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup winners West Indies.

^{Michael Jones' 86 is the highest score of the competition so far (DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)}

"We know that without focusing too much on the opposition if we go out and play our way, we know we can beat any team," said head coach Shane Burger. 

"We did so not very long ago against the two-time world champions. So if we execute the way we know, hopefully, it will send ripples through that Zimbabwe team. We can put a bit more pressure on them.

He added: "There was obvious disappointment after the game. It wasn't just one moment but many moments. Hindsight is a great thing. 

"As a Scottish team, we are not used to be in those situations on a daily basis. I am incredibly proud of how the boys have managed themselves on and off the field. We will learn a lot from what happened yesterday."

THE BIG MATCH

Who: Scotland v Zimbabwe

Where: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

When: Friday, October 21 (7pm local time, 9am BST)

Prediction: Zimbabwe

The key battle is likely to be between Scotland's top-order and the Zimbabwe quicks. Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Tendai Chatara have nine wickets between them, while Scotland been impressive in recording scores of 160 for 5 and 176 for 5.

"I think generally it's (the batting) been really good," said captain Richie Berrington. "We have two guys at the top who had really good knocks with Michael Jones, I thought was exceptional all the way through his innings and the way he finished off. So I think that's really exciting to see.

"Yeah, I think a positive is we know there's still more to come, particularly from the lower order and towards the back end. Hopefully, come Friday, if we manage to find that department, we can keep getting better and better."

Dave Houghton's Zimbabwe have three wins from four T20Is against Scotland, winning a three-match series in Edinburgh in September 2021. They have never progressed beyond the first group stage in five previous attempts and were absent last year following their ICC suspension.

"I think we have to get the job done," said allrounder Ryan Burl. "It is must-win games for all four teams in the group. 

^{Zimbabwe's pace attack will pose a significant test (DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)}

"We have to put our best foot forward tomorrow. I think it goes without saying, it would be a massive achievement for any team in the group. It is obviously our goal coming into this stage. Do whatever you can to ensure you are among the top two.

"The mood is good in the camp. I think there's obviously a little bit of nerves around the group now, knowing that we have to win the next game. But the morale is good. The guys are very upbeat. We want to make sure we are in the next stage."

A literal and figurative cloud hangs over the doubleheader. The Bureau of Meteorology are predicting an 80 per cent chance of rain on Friday (October 21) - "in the late afternoon and evening" - which could drain the jeopardy from the final round.

In the event both matches are abandoned, both sides will progress due to their superior net run rate. No reserve days when you're cutting four teams from the tournament doesn't sound particularly fair either.

Related Topics

• Ireland keep hopes of Super 12s progress alive as Scotland are stunned
• Alzarri Joseph keeps West Indies' hopes alive after trial by spin