DUBAI: Super 12s – New Zealand set a high target of 172 off their 20 overs. Scottish batsman fought valiantly but fell short by just 16 runs. Scotland reached 156 for 5 wickets off their 20 overs.
After winning the toss, Scotland Invited New Zealand to bat first which most likely would have been the choice NZ would also have made to improve on the run rate. NZ opener Guptill hit power strokes at will to score 93 off 56 balls. He struck seven 6s in his innings. Scotland did well at the start of the inning having Williamson out for zero and NZ score at 35 for 2 wickets. Guptill together with Phillips rebuilt the innings with a 4th wicket partnership of 105 runs. Guptill dominated the bowlers and kept accelerating with his power sixers to allow NZ to reach 172 for 5 wickets in 20 overs. Shafyaan Sharif bowled well to pick up 2 for 28 runs (including the wicket of Captain Williamson).
Scotland was bold in their chase, both openers Captain Coetzer and George Munsey starting aggressively . After both openers fell, Cross and Berrington kept the momentum and reached 75 runs in 10 overs for loss of 2 wickets. However by the 16th over , Scotland lost 5 wickets with Scottish batsman trying to accelerate with the intention of controlling the ever increasing run rate. Scotland batsmen put up a brave effort however was sable to reach 156 for 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. New Zealand won by 16 runs.
The outcome of this match means Scotland will remain in the last position in the Group 2 points table with 2 more games remaining and New Zealand remains at 3rd position with 4 points with a lower run rate than Afghanistan who remain at 2nd position with 4 points. Pakistan leads the points table and has already qualified for the semi finals.
Martin Guptill was named the player of the match for his blazing 93 runs off 56 balls (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
