NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC – Unbeaten Scotland took a giant step towards qualifying for the second stage of the Twenty20 World Cup when they stormed to a dominant seven wicket victory over Oman.
In pursuit of 151 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here Sunday, Scotland reeled in their target at the start of the 14th over, to notch their second win on the bounce to go along with their no result against reigning champions England.
Brandon McMullen, a 24-year-old right-hander belted an unbeaten 61 off 31 deliveries while opener George Munsey chipped in with a 20-ball 41, the pair putting on 65 for the second wicket.
Oman had earlier done well to get up to 150 for seven off their 20 overs, Pratik Athavale top-scoring with 54 off 40 balls with five fours and two sixes and Ayaan Khan striking an unbeaten 41 off 39 deliveries, including four fours.
Choosing to bat first, Oman’s innings was held together by Athavale’s 31-run second wicket stand with captain Aqib Ilyas (16) and his 41-run, fifth wicket partnership with Ayaan.
Scotland’s run chase suffered a setback when they lost Michael Jones for 16 in the third over with 21 on the board but Munsey lashed two fours and four sixes and McCullen, nine fours and two sixes, as Scotland hit back.
When Munsey and captain Richie Berrington (13) fell within 12 balls of each other, McCullen carried Scotland home in a 43-run unbroken fourth wicket stand with Matthew Cross (15 not out).
Scotland top Group B with five points while winless Oman have been eliminated after three straight losses.
