Scotland significantly boosted their chances of qualifying for the second round of the T20 Cricket World Cup by defeating Oman by seven wickets in Antigua, moving to the top of Group B.
Brandon McMullen played a pivotal role in Scotland's victory, scoring an unbeaten 61 off just 31 balls. His swashbuckling innings included nine boundaries and two sixes, ensuring that Scotland chased down Oman's total of 150-7 with nearly seven overs to spare, finishing on 153-3 in 13.1 overs. "Very chuffed to get the win for the team," McMullen said, reflecting on his performance. "The priority was to win and get the points but at drinks we said we should get this done."
Scotland's run chase started smoothly, with George Munsey scoring 41 before being caught by Shakeel Ahmed off Mehran Khan's bowling. Michael Jones added 16 runs, setting the stage for McMullen to take control of the game. McMullen finished the match alongside Matthew Cross, who contributed 15 not out from eight balls, including two massive sixes.
Oman captain Aqib Ilyas lamented his team's missed opportunities, particularly their failure to set a more competitive total after opting to bat first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. "175 could have been a good score, but we had too many dot balls on a flat track," Aqib said. "In the batting, we have to improve. 150 was par but we dropped too many chances. Catches, if you take them, put pressure on the other team. This is cricket, sometimes you are at the top, sometimes you are down."
Oman's innings began promisingly, with opener Pratik Athavale scoring 54 off 40 balls. However, after a series of quick wickets, Oman found themselves struggling at 71-4 after 8.5 overs. Ayaan Khan steadied the innings with an unbeaten 41 off 39 deliveries, with Mehran Khan adding 13 runs.
Scotland's bowling attack was led by Safyaan Sharif, who took two wickets but conceded 40 runs. Brad Wheal delivered an economical spell, taking 1-19 off four overs, while spinner Mark Watt's four overs yielded 25 runs for one wicket.
Scotland, brimming with confidence after their impressive start to the tournament, are now preparing for their final group game against Australia. "We are confident going into the Australia game, always trying to raise the bar. That's the plan going forward," McMullen said.
This win not only puts Scotland in a strong position for advancing to the next stage but also showcases their growing strength and depth in T20 cricket.
Scotland significantly boosted their chances of qualifying for the second round of the T20 Cricket World Cup by defeating Oman by seven wickets in Antigua, moving to the top of Group B.
Brandon McMullen played a pivotal role in Scotland's victory, scoring an unbeaten 61 off just 31 balls. His swashbuckling innings included nine boundaries and two sixes, ensuring that Scotland chased down Oman's total of 150-7 with nearly seven overs to spare, finishing on 153-3 in 13.1 overs. "Very chuffed to get the win for the team," McMullen said, reflecting on his performance. "The priority was to win and get the points but at drinks we said we should get this done."
Scotland's run chase started smoothly, with George Munsey scoring 41 before being caught by Shakeel Ahmed off Mehran Khan's bowling. Michael Jones added 16 runs, setting the stage for McMullen to take control of the game. McMullen finished the match alongside Matthew Cross, who contributed 15 not out from eight balls, including two massive sixes.
Oman captain Aqib Ilyas lamented his team's missed opportunities, particularly their failure to set a more competitive total after opting to bat first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. "175 could have been a good score, but we had too many dot balls on a flat track," Aqib said. "In the batting, we have to improve. 150 was par but we dropped too many chances. Catches, if you take them, put pressure on the other team. This is cricket, sometimes you are at the top, sometimes you are down."
Oman's innings began promisingly, with opener Pratik Athavale scoring 54 off 40 balls. However, after a series of quick wickets, Oman found themselves struggling at 71-4 after 8.5 overs. Ayaan Khan steadied the innings with an unbeaten 41 off 39 deliveries, with Mehran Khan adding 13 runs.
Scotland's bowling attack was led by Safyaan Sharif, who took two wickets but conceded 40 runs. Brad Wheal delivered an economical spell, taking 1-19 off four overs, while spinner Mark Watt's four overs yielded 25 runs for one wicket.
Scotland, brimming with confidence after their impressive start to the tournament, are now preparing for their final group game against Australia. "We are confident going into the Australia game, always trying to raise the bar. That's the plan going forward," McMullen said.
This win not only puts Scotland in a strong position for advancing to the next stage but also showcases their growing strength and depth in T20 cricket.
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