T20 World Cup Qualifiers: Oman, Scotland grab final two berths of main event in Australia

Captains of Oman and Scotland during their qualification play-offs. (Photo: Twitter/T20WorldCup)


Oman and Scotland joined Namibia, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Ireland for the final berths of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup to be held in Australia from October 18 to November 15.

Oman defeated Hong Kong by just 12 runs, on Wednesday, in a do-or-die encounter for the final last spot. Batting first, Oman posted 134 before their bowlers restricted their opponents at 122 in their quota of 20 overs.

Scotland, on the other hand, thrashed the hosts of the qualifying tournament the UAE by 90 runs in their fifth-place playoff at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Opting to bat first, the Scotts posted a massive total of 198 with George Munsey scoring 63 and Richie Berrington playing a fiery knock of 48 in just 18 balls. Chasing, the UAE were never in contention and lost wickets at regular intervals to finally get out for 108.

On Tuesday, the Netherlands and Namibia made it to next year’s perennial event after winning their respective qualifying play-offs. While the Netherlands defeated the UAE, Namibia got better of Oman.

In the first game on Tuesday, UAE were restricted for a paltry score of 80/9 in their innings. The Netherlands took 15 overs to chase the total and lost just two wickets in the process to seal their Australia berth.

Namibia defeated Oman by 54 runs in the second match of the day. The African team posted a total of 161/7 before getting their opponents all out for 107 runs in 19 overs.

PNG and Ireland had earlier qualified for the next year’s marquee tournament after topping their respective groups in the qualifiers.