The West Indies were already knocked out of the qualification for the ODI World Cup and on Tuesday, it was Zimbabwe’s turn to suffer the heartbreak.

In a decisive clash in Bulawayo, Scotland overpowered Zimbabwe by 31 runs, ending their hopes of playing in the showpiece event which will be hosted by India later this year.

Zimbabwe, after an unbeaten run into the Super Six stage of the competition, crashed out of contention after back-to-back losses to Sri Lanka and the Scots. Sri Lanka have already ensured a place in the World Cup with 8 points in their kitty and a game in hand.

Zimbabwe have completed their Super Six stage matches, finishing with 6 points from five games. Scotland too have 6 points but have played a game less. The Netherlands have 4 points from four matches.

With Zimbabwe’s net run rate being a lowly -0.099, it’s a straight contest between the Scots and the Dutch, who face each other on Thursday, to clinch the second qualifying spot. Scotland will go through with a win. For the Netherlands (-0.042), only winning Thursday’s game might not be enough as Scotland (0.296) have a superior net run rate. Scotland might still qualify if they lose provided the margin of defeat is not big.

After putting up 234/8, Scotland gained the upper hand when Chris Sole delivered a fine new-ball spell, taking three wickets.

Zimbabwe fought back with Sikandar Raza (34), Ryan Burl (83) and Wessly Madhevere (40), but Scotland held their nerves to bundle out the hosts for 203 in 41.1 overs. Sole was declared the Man of the Match.

“It’s a very difficult pill to swallow,” Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine said after the loss.

Brief scores: Scotland 234/8 in 50 ovs (Michael Leask 48).Zimbabwe 203 in 41.1 ovs (Ryan Burl 83; Chris Sole 3/33). Scotland won by 31 runs.