Zimbabwe made it to the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup for the first time after an easy five-wicket win over Scotland in a Group B match here on Friday.

The win ensured Group B top spot for Zimbabwe as they joined India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and Netherlands in Group 2 of Super 12. For Scotland, it was the end of their campaign after the loss.

Pacer Tendai Chatara led a spectacular bowling show with figures of 4-1-14-2 as Zimbabwe restricted Scotland to a below-par 132 for six. Chatara, who also became the first from Zimbabwe to take 50-plus wickets in T20Is, checked the run flow with his accurate bowling. In reply, Zimbabwe cantered home in 18.3 overs with Sikandar Raza slamming a 23-ball 40.

This is the first time that Zimbabwe have qualified for the Super 12 stage and, along with the players, a lot of credit for that will also go to coach Dave Houghton and director of cricket Lalchand Rajput, who was also the coach in India’s triumphant campaign in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. “I don’t think anyone could explain what it (the win) means. We’ve had the whole country behind us,” Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine said.

Brief scores: Scotland 132/6 in 20 overs (George Munsey 54; Tendai Chatara 2/14). Zimbabwe 133/5 (Craig Ervine 58, Sikandar Raza 40). Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets.