ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, CMC — The Netherlands and Hong Kong clinched the final two places among the Associates in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh with emphatic victories yesterday.
The Netherlands beat Scotland by eight wickets while Hong Kong defeated Papua New Guinea by 29 runs.
The Dutch chased down Scotland’s 147-6 with 13 balls to spare as Hong Kong bounced back after missing the chance to qualify the previous day, when they lost to Nepal.
The line-up for the fifth edition of the World Twenty20 — which will take place from March 16 to April 6 next year — is now complete.
The 10 full ICC members are joined by six teams from the qualifiers — Afghanistan, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
Number three Wesley Barresi led the Dutch charge with 75 not out from 47 balls that included eight fours and a six.
Barresi shared half-century stands with Ben Cooper (40) and Michael Swart (30 not out) as the Dutch coasted to 149-2.
Earlier, Scotland were rescued by a third-wicket partnership of 111 between Matt Machan (61) and Michael Leask (58), the pair coming together with their team in deep trouble at 1-2 in the second over. Leask struck five sixes in his 46-ball innings.
The result came as a relief for Netherlands captain Peter Borren after his side missed the chance to qualify on Wednesday when they lost to UAE.
“I’m very glad we made it through but I feel for Scotland,” Borren said.
Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer said: “I thought they batted outstandingly.
“We were happy with 147 — going by the results in the previous games we would’ve taken that at the start of the day
“The tournament has been great. I can only thank our guys for all the hard work they’ve put in, and say well done to the Netherlands.
“We’ve just got to get through next time, it’s as simple as that.”
PNG appeared to have Hong Kong on the ropes at 19-4 but they were lifted to 137-9 by the middle order trio of Babar Hayat (48), Mark Chapman (28) and Munir Dar (22), opening bowlers Pipi Raho and Willie Gavera claiming three wickets apiece.
