(Reuters) – Scotland pipped Kenya to secure their third World Cup appearance yesterday while United Arab Emirates (UAE) also booked their ticket for next year’s marquee 50-over tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
On the final day of the Super Sixes in Christchurch, Rob Taylor shrugged off his poor form and, batting at number eight, blasted 46 unbeaten runs off 37 balls to help Scotland reach the 261-run victory target with three balls to spare.
Opting to bat first, Kenya rode Alex Obanda’s 89 off 101 balls to post a competitive 260 before being all out on the last ball of the 50th over.
Matty Cross (55) and captain Preston Mommsen (78) shone with the bat for Scotland but it was Taylor’s late assault that earned them a thrilling three-wicket victory and their first World Cup appearance since 2007.
“It is absolutely awesome, we have worked really hard to get to this position and to actually get over the line is unbelievable. The feeling is immense,” Mommsen said.