NORTH SOUND: Scotland boosted their chances of qualifying for the second round of the T20 World Cup on Sunday after thrashing Oman by seven wickets in North Sound to move to the top of Group ‘B’.

Brandon McMullen’s unbeaten 61 off just 31 balls steered Scotland to victory with nearly seven overs to spare as the Scots finished on 153-3 off 13.1 overs to reel in Oman’s total of 150-7.

“Very chuffed to get the win for the team,” said McMullen, who clinched the win with a four — one of nine boundaries in his swashbuckling batting display that also included two sixes.

McMullen and Scotland face Australia in their final group game but are brimming with confidence after an impressive start to the tournament.

“We are confident going into the Australia game, always trying to raise the bar. That’s the plan going forward,” McMullen said.

Scotland’s run chase had got off to a smooth start, with George Munsey making 41 before being caught by Shakeel Ahmed off Mehran Khan, and Michael Jones adding 16.

McMullen then took charge of the game, finishing alongside Matthew Cross, who was 15 not out from an eight-ball knock that included two monstrous sixes.

Oman captain Aqib Ilyas’ decision to bat first appeared to have paid off with opener Pratik Athavale hitting 54 off 40 balls, with Naseem Khushi adding 10 and Aqib 16.

But Zeeshan Maqsood fell cheaply before Khalid Kail was run out 10 runs later to leave Oman wobbling at 71-4 in 8.5 overs.

Ayaan Khan steadied the ship with an unbeaten 41 off 39 deliveries with support from Mehran Khan, who added 13.

Scotland bowler Safyaan Sharif’s two wick came for an expensive 40 runs.

Brad Wheal bowled an economical spell of 1-19 while spinner Mark Watt’s four overs went for 25 with one wicket.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2024