Muscat, Oct 18
Riding high on their stunning upset victory over Bangladesh, Scotland will have a golden opportunity to progress to the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 when they take on minnows Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, Amerat, here on Tuesday.
Scotland, who were struggling at 53/6 at one stage against Bangladesh in the previous match, showed tremendous courage with their performance against a far more experienced T20I team.
Chris Greaves, playing only his second international match, was the one-man star of the show with his all-round efforts that took Bangladesh completely by surprise.
While batting, he smashed 45 off just 28 balls with four boundaries and a six that gave the much needed momentum and direction to the Scotland innings when it was struggling.
And then he turned magician with the ball scalping the prized wickets of star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan and their top batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.
The Scots would be hoping for a similar stellar display against PNG to cement their place in the Super 12 stage against the elite eight teams that have already qualified.
It would be the biggest moment in Scottish cricket history if the Kyle Coetzer-led team tops PNG and they are pumped up to do the same.
PNG face must-win situation
The Assad Vala-led PNG team were at the receiving end of a rampant Oman side in their opening game where they struggled with their batting and bowling.
Skipper Vala, who scored a half-century and Charles Amini who struck 37 were the only two batsmen who could get scores of significance.
Vala and Amini will have to repeat their effort and would also need strong support from the other top and middle order batsmen for PNG to challenge Scotland.
PNG bowlers will have to bring their A-game as well after being clattered around by Jatinder Singh and Aqib Ilyas in the previous match.
Picking up early wickets against Scotland could be the key to restricting them and keeping PNG’s hopes of a victory alive. They will have to really play out of their skins against a red-hot Scotland team that is on the verge of something special.
