Zimbabwe maintained their 36-year unbeaten record in World Cup Qualifiers - but saw their winning streak finally ended after a thrilling tie with Scotland.
The host nation’s form in this event has had an uplifting effect on the country’s cricket supporters. Those fans have had to survive some nail-biting finishes, though.
Having beaten the tournament favourites Afghanistan by just two runs earlier in the group, the Zimbabweans left it even later to safeguard their unbeaten record against Scotland.
Scotland required just two runs to overhaul the home side’s total of 210, with two wickets still remaining in Bulawayo.
But two wickets in the space of three balls meant the scores finished level, and both sides advance through to the Super Six with three points.
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“It was an unbelievable game of cricket, in the end it went all the way to the death,” Richie Berrington, the Scotland batsman, said.
“Obviously, from our point of view it is disappointing to get in that position, so close and not get over the line, obviously though we will take a point from it.
“Losing a few wickets early, George [Munsey] and myself managed to get a partnership going but obviously disappointed not to go on a bit longer and see it through towards the end.”
Zimbabwe have won the Qualifier tournament three times in the past, which is more than any other side, but this is the first time since they were elevated to Test status that they have had to play in it. They topped Group B on run-rate, ahead of fellow undefeated side Scotland.
Despite not playing on Monday and only having one win from four matches to their name, Afghanistan edged through to the next phase on run-rate.
Hong Kong only needed to beat previously winless Nepal to make it through. Even though they only posted 153, after Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane took three for 17 from his 10 overs, Hong Kong were well-placed in defending their total.
They had Nepal 66 for five, including the prized wicket of captain Paras Khadka, but 15-year-old batsman Rohit Paudel hit an unbeaten 48 to marshal his side to a five-wicket win.
The results means Nepal, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea and the Netherlands will now play classification matches, while the other six sides in the competition play for the two places on offer at the 2019 World Cup.
The two Asian sides, plus PNG, are vying for one-day international status, which will be granted to the top-ranked of the three sides.
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ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Manchester City 1 Sheffield United 0
Man City: Jesus (9')
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
Sunday Verona v Cagliari (3.30pm), Parma v Benevento, AS Roma v Sassuolo, Udinese v Atalanta (all 6pm), Crotone v Napoli (9pm), Sampdoria v AC Milan (11.45pm)
Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
Scores
Scotland 54-17 Fiji
England 15-16 New Zealand
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Gothia Cup 2025
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