A do-or-die match for PNG and they will be very happy going into the break. They started off brilliantly as Kabua Morea and Chad Soper made way for the openers. Wickets dried up in the middle phase and in PNG's point of view, so did the runs. As Scotland tried to up the ante, Simon Atai came into the attack and took the big wicket of Cross. Soper took the big wicket of Berrington as well and they will be quite happy with how they played at the fag end of the innings. Chad Soper and Kabua More
We are back for the chase!
... RUN CHASE ...
Right then! 166 needed for Papua New Guinea to keep their qualification hopes alive. Someone need to bat their skin out to fancy a chance against the mightly Scottish What will happen? We shall find out soon as the second-half is just around the corner.Â
Matthew Cross says that they were thinking about 160 and they have got that. Mentions that the wicket is little bit two-paced. Tells that they expect to put PNG under pressure and they have got a lot op options in bowling. Adds that it's a good surface and it is going to be a tough chase for PNG.
Not the best of starts for Scotland but they will be very happy with how things have turned after both the openers fell. Both openers fell in quick succession. 26 for 2 at one stage and Scotland needed a partnership badly. Matthew Cross and Richie Berrington joined hands to rebuild the structure. They started slowly but once they got used to the pitch. they pushed the accelerator. They stitched a 92-run partnership before Cross gave away his wicket but Berrington continued his quarrelsome batt
6 wickets in the last 2 overs while giving away just 15 runs. This has been a brilliant comeback from Papua New Guinea after losing their way in the middle phase. They will be quite happy with how his troops have rallied and now they will fancy their chances to chase it down. Also, a good momentum going into the break.Â
Kabua Morea to Mark Watt, ! Cleaned up! Brilliant stuff from Kabua Morea as he gets his fourth wicket and Papua New Guinea complete a team hat-trick. Pacy delivery, full and on off stump. Mark Watt looks to play the reverse sweep but the ball sneaks in under his bat. The ball crashes into the off stump and Watt also departs for a golden duck. Four wickets fall in the final over as Scotland end with 165/9!
Alasdair Evans walks out.Â
Kabua Morea to Josh Davey, ! CAUGHT! Another bites the dust! In the slot and Josh Davey gives it his all as he clubs it right back over the bowler's head. For a moment it looked to be sailing over the long on fence but Lega Siaka, stationed over there remains unfazed. He takes the catch with ease and Josh Davey has to depart for a golden duck.
Josh Davey is the new batter in.Â
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. The third umpire sees the replay and Michael Leask is caught well short of the crease. The third umpire confirms it by displaying on the big screen.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! RUN OUT! Slight hesitation and Michael Leask pays the price for it. Length again and outside off, Leask walks across his stumps and pulls it towards deep square leg. Assad Vala gets to it quickly and Leask pushes for the second. Kiplin Doriga, behind the stumps whips off the bails in a flash and the replay shows that Leask was not even in the frame. Leask has to depart.
The new man in is Mark Watt.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! WOW! That is some shot from Michael Leask. A length ball, outside off and angled across. Leask shuffles across and flat-bats it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, ! CAUGHT! A slower one, full and well outside off. Chris Greaves makes the mistake of fetching it from that wide and trying to go across. Greaves ends up skying it high and towards wide long on. Lega Siaka settles under it and finally pouches it after some juggling. Kabua Morea gets his second wicket.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, Well bowled. A wide yorker, Leask slices it to third man for a single.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, No Ball! Pace-off and down the leg side. Chris Greaves looks to paddle it fine but the ball tickles the pads on its way to the keeper. They scamper through for a leg bye and a no ball is called for overstepping. Free Hit to follow.
Kabua Morea to bowl the final over.Â
Chad Soper to Chris Greaves, Soper finishes with another short one. Greaves pulls it nicely to deep square leg for a single. Just 5Â runs and 2 wickets off the over.
Chad Soper to Michael Leask, Short again, around off. Leask pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Chris Greaves is the new batsman in.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! CAUGHT! The dangerman, Richie Berrington has to depart and that is a huge blow to Scotland. Chad Soper has a clear game plan of bowling it short and the plan is working perfectly. Short ball, outside off. Berrington fetches it and clubs it nicely but straight to Charles Amini at the cow corner fence. Amini takes a sharp catch and could this prove to be the difference in a big score and a par score?
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Bowled into the surface yet again, Berrington inside-edges it past the stumps. The ball goes towards fine leg and they race back for the second.
Michael Leask walks out to bat.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, ! CAUGHT! This one is slower and bowled into the surface, around off stump. Calum MacLeod tries to fetch it and pull it across but ends up getting a top edge towards wide long on. Kabua Morea runs around from deep mid-wicket and takes a brilliant catch. Scotland lose their fourth and Chad Soper has done the job for his team.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Banged in, around off stump. Richie Berrington pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A low full toss, on middle. Richie Berrington walks across but sweeps it straight to backward square leg. Just a single then and only 4 runs off the over.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, This is top class bowling. Another perfect yorker, around off stump. Calum MacLeod can't get under it and bunts it back onto the deck. The bowler misfields and they scamper through for a quick single.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Calum MacLeod shuffles across his stumps and Pokana follows him with a brilliant yorker. MacLeod looks to sweep it away but can't make the connection.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, LEG BYE! A toe-crusher from Nosaina Pokana. A yorker, around leg stump and Richie Berrington can't do anything about it as he gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and they get a leg bye.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, on leg stump. Richie Berrington can't get it away on the leg side.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Valiant effort but in vain. Pokana misses the wide yorker and serves a full toss, MacLeod also misses out as he mistimes it uppishly towards cover. The fielder dives in but fumbles as the ball lands in front of him. Just a single in the end.
Nosaina Pokana comes back on.
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, Short again and this is pulled firmly to deep square leg for a run.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Change of pace and this is shorter in length, outside off. Berrington pulls it down to wide long on and rotates the strike.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! Fetch that! In the slot, outside off. Richie Berrington gets low and smokes this one back over the bowler's head for a huge maximum. That's his 49th six in T20Is as well.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, around off and tapped back to the bowler.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and leg, Richie Berrington flicks it behind square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.
Chad Soper (2-0-8-1) is back into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, A length ball, on middle. MacLeod presents the full face of the bat and pushes it to long on for a single.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Nicley played! Touch fuller, on middle. Richie Berrington clears his front leg and whacks it over the bowler's head. Beats the long on fielder and fetches himself a boundary. 15 runs coming from the over. Scotland are motoring along very well.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Full again, outside off. Calum MacLeod steers it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, ! Calum MacLeod gets into the act now! What a shot to collect a boundary. Full and on off, Calum MacLeod plays a reverse sweep. Bisects the short third and point fielder perfectly and gets a boundary.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Fuller in length, on off, patted back to the bowler.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Full and outside off, Richie Berrington drills it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Length ball, outside off. Richie Berrington sits low and clubs it straight down the ground towards long off for a boundary. He brings up his fifty as well.Â
Change. Kabua Morea is back on.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Full and wide, way too outside off. Richie Berrington leaves it alone. Wided.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter delivery, around off. Richie Berrington drives it to long off. He retains the strike by picking up a single. Moves onto 48.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Floats it up, outside off. Calum MacLeod rocks back and cuts it through cover-point for a run.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Outside off, worked towards covers.Â
Calum MacLeod walks out.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, ! CAUGHT! Papua New Guinea get the much needed breakthrough and Simon Atai is the man to provide that. Bowls it short again, on middle. This time, Matthew Cross gets low and smacks it straight down the throat of the deep mid-wicket fielder. Charles Amini is stationed there and takes the catch without any trouble. Matthew Cross has to walk back to the pavilion. Nonetheless a good knock from him.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Loopy ball, on off. Richie Berrington drives it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single. That was way too short but Simon Atai gets away with that one.Â
Simon Atai (2-0-16-0) is back into the attack.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Full and on middle, clipped through square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, This one is tucked away off the pads to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Flatter and quicker outside off, Richie Berrington charges down the track and blocks it out.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Quicker ball, outside off. Matthew Cross sweeps it down to long on for a single.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wide given.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short and outside off, slapped to deep cover for a run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Outside off, Richie Berrington works it through mid on. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.Â
Charles Amini is back on to end his spell here.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Another boundary! A full toss, on the pads. Matthew Cross whips it away square of the man at 45. Excellent batting.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Scotland have accelarated exceedingly well after the drinks break. This one is slow and in the slot, at 108 kph. Matthew Cross swings his bat hard and sends the bail sailing over the deep mid-wicket fielder who is just a spectator there. A 76 metre maximum.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Back of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross glances it to deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running!
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Length ball, on middle. Richie Berrington gets down on one knee and hoicks it to deep square leg for just a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, ! Fine leg is up inside the circle and the ball races away. On a length on leg, Richie Berrington shimmies down the track and swings his bat but miscues. The ball goes off the inside edge past short fine for a boundary.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, ! The fielder at deep cover was a mere spectator! Full and on off. Richie Berrington uses his crease and smokes it well over covers for a biggie.Â
Nosaina Pokana (2-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller in length, on middle. Matthew Cross smashes it straight to long on. Only a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Short again but was much quicker. Richie Berrington punches it swiftly but finds cover.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slightly short and outside off. Cross pushes it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slower through the air, on middle. Matthew Cross hangs back and smashes it to deep mid-wicket. He pushes hard for the second run. The fielder fires a throw at the bowler's end and Richie Berrington dives full stretch to make it back to the crease. Wouldn't have mattered anyway as Simon Atai fails to collect the ball. Comfortable two at the end.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Catch is the call but it falls well short of deep mid-wicket! Short and on middle, pulled aerially and towards deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter on middle, swept to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, ! MASSIVE! Can this over change the momentum? Full and on middle. Matthew Cross gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 14 runs from the over.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Around off, a full ball, pushed on the off side for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Welcome boundary and a much-needed one! A full ball, on off. Richie Berrington gets low and smacks it through cover for a boundary. Long off runs across but to no avail.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, On middle, eased down to long on for one run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short in length, on off, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
DRINKS! Papua New Guinea rocked Scotland early as they picked up a couple of wickets in the Powerplay and haven't let them score freely. Richie Berrington and Matthew Cross have played enough deliveries to put some momentum into the innings now and it will be interesting to see what happens in the final 10 overs. Also, Charles Amini has been brought back into the attack.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on off. Cross wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Flatter and on off. Cross pushes it to covers for a quick single. At the halfway mark, Scotland are 67/2.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Sees Berrington come down the track, Atai drags his length back and serves it on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short again, around off. Cross rocks back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter, quicker and on middle. Richie Berrington flicks it to deep square leg for one more.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and angling on middle. Cross hangs back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Just one.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Tossed up on off. Richie Berrington nudges it to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai comes into the attack for the first time today.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A length ball, on off. Richie Berrington works it through covers for one more.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Leg bye! On a length, on middle, a slower ball. Matthew Cross looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Full and on middle. Richie Berrington pushes it straight down the ground for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller again, on middle, tucked to deep square leg for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Tight single! Fuller again and on off. Richie Berrington defends it towards mid off and takes a quick single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Another single to end the over. Flatter delivery, cut away on the off side.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Shortish ball, around off. Richie Berrington cuts it off the back foot through cover-point and picks up a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Slightly shorter, on off. Cross goes deep in his crease and eases it down to long off for another one.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, On middle and pushed down the ground for one. Smart batting from Berrington.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Dragged down and punished. Richie Berrington rocks back and pulls this one into the mid-wicket fence. 50 up for Scotland.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Very full, around off. Cross drives it through covers for a single.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, Fullish ball, well outside off. Cross fetches this one and sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flatter one, on middle and skidding on. Berrington goes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, ! Bang! That one has gone 97 metres! Nicely flighted delivery, on middle. Richie Berrington dances down the track and lifts this one well over the long on fence for a biggie.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flighted ball, around the off pole. Berrington defends it off the front foot.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Nicely tossed up, on off. Richie Berrington prods and defends it out.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, LEG BYE! Loopy, slower ball, on the pads. Cross looks to play the paddle sweep but he misses. The ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg and they get a leg bye.
Lega Siaka is into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, again outside off, with a hint of away movement. A play and a miss from Richie Berrington. Scotland are 37/2 at the end of the Powerplay.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, outside off and nipping away. Richie Berrington looks to play the expansive drive but misses.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Angled in on middle and leg, Berrington gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! A short ball, on leg stump. Richie Berrington rocks back and rolls the wrist, places it perfectly behind square on the leg side and picks up a boundary.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Length again, around off and nudged to cover-point.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, punched off the back foot to short cover.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, ! CAUGHT! Back of a length, on middle and leg. George Munsey decides to muscle the ball across. The timing isn't right and the ball skies up in the air off the lower half of the bat. Gets more height than the distance. Sese Bau from deep square leg, runs ahead and takes a simple catch. Scotland lose both their openers now. This is a good start from Papua New Guinea.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, A length ball, outside off. This is dabbed down to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, ! Good-looking shot from Matthew Cross. Pitched up, on off and driven just to the right of the mid off fielder. The fielder gets a finger on it but the ball races away to the fence.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length again, on the off pole and curving back in. Cross gets caught on the crease and inside edges it onto the pads.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off and slowed up. Cross defends it out.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and shaping back in nicely. Richie Berrington clips it off his legs to deep square leg for one.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Peach! Good-length ball, in that channel around off and going across the right-hander. Matthew Cross looks to play it on the off side but the ball zips past the outside edge.
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, WIDE! Nosaina Pokana starts with a full-length ball, down leg. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. Wided called.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, A risky single! Back of a length, on middle. Richie Berrington is late to close the face of his bat. The ball goes off the thigh pad past the keeper. He collects the ball and fires a throw at the batter's end but misses. The batters get a leg bye.
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Short of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross tucks it to deep square leg for one.Â
Richie Berrington is the new man in.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, Fullish ball, on off. Driven to point.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Chad Soper takes the pace off this time! Slower ball, outside off. Matthew Cross look to pat it on the off side but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls to fine leg for a single.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Well timed stroke! Length ball, outside off. Matthew Cross stands up on his toes and glides it towards deep backward point for a brace.Â
Chad Soper is into the attack now.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Excellent over from Kabua Morea! A wicket and just a single from it. Very full and swinging in late, on leg. Matthew Cross brings out his bat just in time and pushes it to mid on for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off. Matthew Cross presses forward and pushes it towards covers.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a good length, on off. Matthew Cross guides it to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length ball, on off, shaping into the batter. Matthew Cross defends it on the off side.Â
Who walks out at number 3? It is Matthew Cross.
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, ! TIMBER! Kabua Morea draws first blood. Good-length ball, on middle, shaping back in. Kind of a banana swing there. Kyle Coetzer looks to push it on the off side but is outfoxed completely by the inward movement. He misses and the ball crashes the wooden furniture behind him. Kabua Morea is pumped up and Scotland lose their first wicket.Â
Kabua Morea is into the attack.Â
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer flicks it to mid-wicket.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, On the pads, George Munsey this time fails to sweep it. The ball hits the pads and rolls to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, Short and on middle, Munsey clogs it over mid on for a couple of runs.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! Two in a row! Quicker and fuller, on middle. George Munsey goes down on one knee again and plays an aerial sweep towards deep square leg for another boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! George Munsey is so strong on the leg side! Slower and wider, George Munsey walks across, gets low and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, George Munsey makes room for himself but the bowler follows him and bowls a loopy ball on leg, Munsey nudges it to mid on.
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Charles Amini.
Charles Amini to Kyle Coetzer, Loopy ball, on middle. Kyle Coetzer tucks it on the leg side for one.Â
We are all set for the match but before that the players line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Papua New Guinea's first followed by Scotland's national anthem. Done with all the proceedings. It is time for the match to start as the players stride out to the field. The players take a knee to show support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. George Munsey and Kyle Coetzer are the openers for Scotland. Nosaina Pokana to start with the ball.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, On a good length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer bunts it towards mid on and scampers across for a single. 11 runs off the first over.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, ! Kyle Coetzer opens his account in style! Easy pickings for the Scotland captain. Short of a length, outside off. Kyle Coetzer rocks back and slaps it through cover-point. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, shaping in on middle. Kyle Coetzer pushes it to mid on.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Nosaina Pokana sees George Munsey shuffling down the leg side, bowls a length ball on the body. George Munsey works it to square leg. He rotates the strike.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, ! Firsr runs off the bat! Length ball, on leg. George Munsey picks it up early and flicks it to deep square leg. The fielder from fine leg runs to his right to stop the ball but in vain. A boundary.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Length ball, on leg, angling in. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. Nosaina Pokana appeals for an LBW but the umpire shakes his head.Â
PITCH REPORT - Athar Ali Khan says that it is hot and humid in the middle. Tells that it is a lush green outfield. Mentions that it is a good surface. Danny Morrison says that there is a little bit of moisture as well. Adds that hitting the good length areas will be the key for the bowlers.
The captain of Papua New Guinea, Assad Vala, says that the way they fought back in the earlier game was great and they have another opportunity today to get the win. Adds that they were let down by their execution while bowling and it's just about executing the plans. Mentions that there is one change, Chad Soper comes in for Damien Ravu.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Chad Soper (In place of Damien Ravu), Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
Kyle Coetzer, the skippr of Scotland, says that they will bat first. Mentions that they feel the value of putting a good score on this pitch. Tells that the win against Bangladesh was nice but they will focus on today's game. Informs that there is one change. Sharif misses out and Evans comes in for him.
Scotland (Playing XI) - George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (C), Matthew Cross (WK), Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Brad Wheal, Alasdair Evans (In place of Safyaan Sharif).
TOSS - Up goes the coin and lands in the favour of Scotland. They have elected to BAT first!
... MATCH DAY ...
Papua New Guinea bowlers need to step up in this game. There bowlers couldn't make an impression against Oman and they will be eager to perform better against the Scots. The debutants need nothing but a win here if they stand a chance to qualify for Super 12. They have a good batting line up and  would want to give a tough fight. With a lot at stake in this context, which team will come out on top? We shall find out. Stay tuned with us for further updates.
Scotland lead the head-to-head record by 2-0 against Papua New Guinea. They first met during the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifier. Both teams recently battled in Dubai during the UAEÂ Summer T20 Bash. Scotland would look to continue their streak and are strong contenders to qualify for Super 12. They will go through if they win this match and if Oman win against Bangladesh later today.Â
Scotland and Papua New Guinea are set to lock horns in Match 5 of the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Both teams had contrasting fortunes in their respective opening games. Scotland were crumbling at 53/6 but Chris Greaves' all-round show made sure the Scotland edge out Bangladesh and have started their campaign on a resounding note. Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, were thrashed by Oman in their opening encounter. They only managed to put 129 and their bowlers couldn't do anything as Oman won by
A do-or-die match for PNG and they will be very happy going into the break. They started off brilliantly as Kabua Morea and Chad Soper made way for the openers. Wickets dried up in the middle phase and in PNG's point of view, so did the runs. As Scotland tried to up the ante, Simon Atai came into the attack and took the big wicket of Cross. Soper took the big wicket of Berrington as well and they will be quite happy with how they played at the fag end of the innings. Chad Soper and Kabua More
We are back for the chase!
... RUN CHASE ...
Right then! 166 needed for Papua New Guinea to keep their qualification hopes alive. Someone need to bat their skin out to fancy a chance against the mightly Scottish What will happen? We shall find out soon as the second-half is just around the corner.Â
Matthew Cross says that they were thinking about 160 and they have got that. Mentions that the wicket is little bit two-paced. Tells that they expect to put PNG under pressure and they have got a lot op options in bowling. Adds that it's a good surface and it is going to be a tough chase for PNG.
Not the best of starts for Scotland but they will be very happy with how things have turned after both the openers fell. Both openers fell in quick succession. 26 for 2 at one stage and Scotland needed a partnership badly. Matthew Cross and Richie Berrington joined hands to rebuild the structure. They started slowly but once they got used to the pitch. they pushed the accelerator. They stitched a 92-run partnership before Cross gave away his wicket but Berrington continued his quarrelsome batt
6 wickets in the last 2 overs while giving away just 15 runs. This has been a brilliant comeback from Papua New Guinea after losing their way in the middle phase. They will be quite happy with how his troops have rallied and now they will fancy their chances to chase it down. Also, a good momentum going into the break.Â
Kabua Morea to Mark Watt, ! Cleaned up! Brilliant stuff from Kabua Morea as he gets his fourth wicket and Papua New Guinea complete a team hat-trick. Pacy delivery, full and on off stump. Mark Watt looks to play the reverse sweep but the ball sneaks in under his bat. The ball crashes into the off stump and Watt also departs for a golden duck. Four wickets fall in the final over as Scotland end with 165/9!
Alasdair Evans walks out.Â
Kabua Morea to Josh Davey, ! CAUGHT! Another bites the dust! In the slot and Josh Davey gives it his all as he clubs it right back over the bowler's head. For a moment it looked to be sailing over the long on fence but Lega Siaka, stationed over there remains unfazed. He takes the catch with ease and Josh Davey has to depart for a golden duck.
Josh Davey is the new batter in.Â
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. The third umpire sees the replay and Michael Leask is caught well short of the crease. The third umpire confirms it by displaying on the big screen.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! RUN OUT! Slight hesitation and Michael Leask pays the price for it. Length again and outside off, Leask walks across his stumps and pulls it towards deep square leg. Assad Vala gets to it quickly and Leask pushes for the second. Kiplin Doriga, behind the stumps whips off the bails in a flash and the replay shows that Leask was not even in the frame. Leask has to depart.
The new man in is Mark Watt.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! WOW! That is some shot from Michael Leask. A length ball, outside off and angled across. Leask shuffles across and flat-bats it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, ! CAUGHT! A slower one, full and well outside off. Chris Greaves makes the mistake of fetching it from that wide and trying to go across. Greaves ends up skying it high and towards wide long on. Lega Siaka settles under it and finally pouches it after some juggling. Kabua Morea gets his second wicket.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, Well bowled. A wide yorker, Leask slices it to third man for a single.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, No Ball! Pace-off and down the leg side. Chris Greaves looks to paddle it fine but the ball tickles the pads on its way to the keeper. They scamper through for a leg bye and a no ball is called for overstepping. Free Hit to follow.
Kabua Morea to bowl the final over.Â
Chad Soper to Chris Greaves, Soper finishes with another short one. Greaves pulls it nicely to deep square leg for a single. Just 5Â runs and 2 wickets off the over.
Chad Soper to Michael Leask, Short again, around off. Leask pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Chris Greaves is the new batsman in.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! CAUGHT! The dangerman, Richie Berrington has to depart and that is a huge blow to Scotland. Chad Soper has a clear game plan of bowling it short and the plan is working perfectly. Short ball, outside off. Berrington fetches it and clubs it nicely but straight to Charles Amini at the cow corner fence. Amini takes a sharp catch and could this prove to be the difference in a big score and a par score?
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Bowled into the surface yet again, Berrington inside-edges it past the stumps. The ball goes towards fine leg and they race back for the second.
Michael Leask walks out to bat.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, ! CAUGHT! This one is slower and bowled into the surface, around off stump. Calum MacLeod tries to fetch it and pull it across but ends up getting a top edge towards wide long on. Kabua Morea runs around from deep mid-wicket and takes a brilliant catch. Scotland lose their fourth and Chad Soper has done the job for his team.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Banged in, around off stump. Richie Berrington pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A low full toss, on middle. Richie Berrington walks across but sweeps it straight to backward square leg. Just a single then and only 4 runs off the over.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, This is top class bowling. Another perfect yorker, around off stump. Calum MacLeod can't get under it and bunts it back onto the deck. The bowler misfields and they scamper through for a quick single.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Calum MacLeod shuffles across his stumps and Pokana follows him with a brilliant yorker. MacLeod looks to sweep it away but can't make the connection.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, LEG BYE! A toe-crusher from Nosaina Pokana. A yorker, around leg stump and Richie Berrington can't do anything about it as he gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and they get a leg bye.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, on leg stump. Richie Berrington can't get it away on the leg side.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Valiant effort but in vain. Pokana misses the wide yorker and serves a full toss, MacLeod also misses out as he mistimes it uppishly towards cover. The fielder dives in but fumbles as the ball lands in front of him. Just a single in the end.
Nosaina Pokana comes back on.
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, Short again and this is pulled firmly to deep square leg for a run.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Change of pace and this is shorter in length, outside off. Berrington pulls it down to wide long on and rotates the strike.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! Fetch that! In the slot, outside off. Richie Berrington gets low and smokes this one back over the bowler's head for a huge maximum. That's his 49th six in T20Is as well.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, around off and tapped back to the bowler.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and leg, Richie Berrington flicks it behind square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.
Chad Soper (2-0-8-1) is back into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, A length ball, on middle. MacLeod presents the full face of the bat and pushes it to long on for a single.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Nicley played! Touch fuller, on middle. Richie Berrington clears his front leg and whacks it over the bowler's head. Beats the long on fielder and fetches himself a boundary. 15 runs coming from the over. Scotland are motoring along very well.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Full again, outside off. Calum MacLeod steers it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, ! Calum MacLeod gets into the act now! What a shot to collect a boundary. Full and on off, Calum MacLeod plays a reverse sweep. Bisects the short third and point fielder perfectly and gets a boundary.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Fuller in length, on off, patted back to the bowler.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Full and outside off, Richie Berrington drills it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Length ball, outside off. Richie Berrington sits low and clubs it straight down the ground towards long off for a boundary. He brings up his fifty as well.Â
Change. Kabua Morea is back on.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Full and wide, way too outside off. Richie Berrington leaves it alone. Wided.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter delivery, around off. Richie Berrington drives it to long off. He retains the strike by picking up a single. Moves onto 48.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Floats it up, outside off. Calum MacLeod rocks back and cuts it through cover-point for a run.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Outside off, worked towards covers.Â
Calum MacLeod walks out.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, ! CAUGHT! Papua New Guinea get the much needed breakthrough and Simon Atai is the man to provide that. Bowls it short again, on middle. This time, Matthew Cross gets low and smacks it straight down the throat of the deep mid-wicket fielder. Charles Amini is stationed there and takes the catch without any trouble. Matthew Cross has to walk back to the pavilion. Nonetheless a good knock from him.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Loopy ball, on off. Richie Berrington drives it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single. That was way too short but Simon Atai gets away with that one.Â
Simon Atai (2-0-16-0) is back into the attack.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Full and on middle, clipped through square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, This one is tucked away off the pads to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Flatter and quicker outside off, Richie Berrington charges down the track and blocks it out.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Quicker ball, outside off. Matthew Cross sweeps it down to long on for a single.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wide given.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short and outside off, slapped to deep cover for a run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Outside off, Richie Berrington works it through mid on. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.Â
Charles Amini is back on to end his spell here.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Another boundary! A full toss, on the pads. Matthew Cross whips it away square of the man at 45. Excellent batting.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Scotland have accelarated exceedingly well after the drinks break. This one is slow and in the slot, at 108 kph. Matthew Cross swings his bat hard and sends the bail sailing over the deep mid-wicket fielder who is just a spectator there. A 76 metre maximum.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Back of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross glances it to deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running!
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Length ball, on middle. Richie Berrington gets down on one knee and hoicks it to deep square leg for just a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, ! Fine leg is up inside the circle and the ball races away. On a length on leg, Richie Berrington shimmies down the track and swings his bat but miscues. The ball goes off the inside edge past short fine for a boundary.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, ! The fielder at deep cover was a mere spectator! Full and on off. Richie Berrington uses his crease and smokes it well over covers for a biggie.Â
Nosaina Pokana (2-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller in length, on middle. Matthew Cross smashes it straight to long on. Only a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Short again but was much quicker. Richie Berrington punches it swiftly but finds cover.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slightly short and outside off. Cross pushes it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slower through the air, on middle. Matthew Cross hangs back and smashes it to deep mid-wicket. He pushes hard for the second run. The fielder fires a throw at the bowler's end and Richie Berrington dives full stretch to make it back to the crease. Wouldn't have mattered anyway as Simon Atai fails to collect the ball. Comfortable two at the end.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Catch is the call but it falls well short of deep mid-wicket! Short and on middle, pulled aerially and towards deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter on middle, swept to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, ! MASSIVE! Can this over change the momentum? Full and on middle. Matthew Cross gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 14 runs from the over.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Around off, a full ball, pushed on the off side for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Welcome boundary and a much-needed one! A full ball, on off. Richie Berrington gets low and smacks it through cover for a boundary. Long off runs across but to no avail.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, On middle, eased down to long on for one run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short in length, on off, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
DRINKS! Papua New Guinea rocked Scotland early as they picked up a couple of wickets in the Powerplay and haven't let them score freely. Richie Berrington and Matthew Cross have played enough deliveries to put some momentum into the innings now and it will be interesting to see what happens in the final 10 overs. Also, Charles Amini has been brought back into the attack.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on off. Cross wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Flatter and on off. Cross pushes it to covers for a quick single. At the halfway mark, Scotland are 67/2.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Sees Berrington come down the track, Atai drags his length back and serves it on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short again, around off. Cross rocks back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter, quicker and on middle. Richie Berrington flicks it to deep square leg for one more.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and angling on middle. Cross hangs back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Just one.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Tossed up on off. Richie Berrington nudges it to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai comes into the attack for the first time today.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A length ball, on off. Richie Berrington works it through covers for one more.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Leg bye! On a length, on middle, a slower ball. Matthew Cross looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Full and on middle. Richie Berrington pushes it straight down the ground for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller again, on middle, tucked to deep square leg for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Tight single! Fuller again and on off. Richie Berrington defends it towards mid off and takes a quick single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Another single to end the over. Flatter delivery, cut away on the off side.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Shortish ball, around off. Richie Berrington cuts it off the back foot through cover-point and picks up a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Slightly shorter, on off. Cross goes deep in his crease and eases it down to long off for another one.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, On middle and pushed down the ground for one. Smart batting from Berrington.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Dragged down and punished. Richie Berrington rocks back and pulls this one into the mid-wicket fence. 50 up for Scotland.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Very full, around off. Cross drives it through covers for a single.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, Fullish ball, well outside off. Cross fetches this one and sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flatter one, on middle and skidding on. Berrington goes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, ! Bang! That one has gone 97 metres! Nicely flighted delivery, on middle. Richie Berrington dances down the track and lifts this one well over the long on fence for a biggie.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flighted ball, around the off pole. Berrington defends it off the front foot.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Nicely tossed up, on off. Richie Berrington prods and defends it out.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, LEG BYE! Loopy, slower ball, on the pads. Cross looks to play the paddle sweep but he misses. The ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg and they get a leg bye.
Lega Siaka is into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, again outside off, with a hint of away movement. A play and a miss from Richie Berrington. Scotland are 37/2 at the end of the Powerplay.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, outside off and nipping away. Richie Berrington looks to play the expansive drive but misses.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Angled in on middle and leg, Berrington gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! A short ball, on leg stump. Richie Berrington rocks back and rolls the wrist, places it perfectly behind square on the leg side and picks up a boundary.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Length again, around off and nudged to cover-point.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, punched off the back foot to short cover.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, ! CAUGHT! Back of a length, on middle and leg. George Munsey decides to muscle the ball across. The timing isn't right and the ball skies up in the air off the lower half of the bat. Gets more height than the distance. Sese Bau from deep square leg, runs ahead and takes a simple catch. Scotland lose both their openers now. This is a good start from Papua New Guinea.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, A length ball, outside off. This is dabbed down to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, ! Good-looking shot from Matthew Cross. Pitched up, on off and driven just to the right of the mid off fielder. The fielder gets a finger on it but the ball races away to the fence.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length again, on the off pole and curving back in. Cross gets caught on the crease and inside edges it onto the pads.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off and slowed up. Cross defends it out.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and shaping back in nicely. Richie Berrington clips it off his legs to deep square leg for one.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Peach! Good-length ball, in that channel around off and going across the right-hander. Matthew Cross looks to play it on the off side but the ball zips past the outside edge.
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, WIDE! Nosaina Pokana starts with a full-length ball, down leg. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. Wided called.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, A risky single! Back of a length, on middle. Richie Berrington is late to close the face of his bat. The ball goes off the thigh pad past the keeper. He collects the ball and fires a throw at the batter's end but misses. The batters get a leg bye.
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Short of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross tucks it to deep square leg for one.Â
Richie Berrington is the new man in.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, Fullish ball, on off. Driven to point.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Chad Soper takes the pace off this time! Slower ball, outside off. Matthew Cross look to pat it on the off side but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls to fine leg for a single.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Well timed stroke! Length ball, outside off. Matthew Cross stands up on his toes and glides it towards deep backward point for a brace.Â
Chad Soper is into the attack now.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Excellent over from Kabua Morea! A wicket and just a single from it. Very full and swinging in late, on leg. Matthew Cross brings out his bat just in time and pushes it to mid on for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off. Matthew Cross presses forward and pushes it towards covers.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a good length, on off. Matthew Cross guides it to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length ball, on off, shaping into the batter. Matthew Cross defends it on the off side.Â
Who walks out at number 3? It is Matthew Cross.
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, ! TIMBER! Kabua Morea draws first blood. Good-length ball, on middle, shaping back in. Kind of a banana swing there. Kyle Coetzer looks to push it on the off side but is outfoxed completely by the inward movement. He misses and the ball crashes the wooden furniture behind him. Kabua Morea is pumped up and Scotland lose their first wicket.Â
Kabua Morea is into the attack.Â
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer flicks it to mid-wicket.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, On the pads, George Munsey this time fails to sweep it. The ball hits the pads and rolls to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, Short and on middle, Munsey clogs it over mid on for a couple of runs.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! Two in a row! Quicker and fuller, on middle. George Munsey goes down on one knee again and plays an aerial sweep towards deep square leg for another boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! George Munsey is so strong on the leg side! Slower and wider, George Munsey walks across, gets low and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, George Munsey makes room for himself but the bowler follows him and bowls a loopy ball on leg, Munsey nudges it to mid on.
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Charles Amini.
Charles Amini to Kyle Coetzer, Loopy ball, on middle. Kyle Coetzer tucks it on the leg side for one.Â
We are all set for the match but before that the players line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Papua New Guinea's first followed by Scotland's national anthem. Done with all the proceedings. It is time for the match to start as the players stride out to the field. The players take a knee to show support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. George Munsey and Kyle Coetzer are the openers for Scotland. Nosaina Pokana to start with the ball.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, On a good length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer bunts it towards mid on and scampers across for a single. 11 runs off the first over.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, ! Kyle Coetzer opens his account in style! Easy pickings for the Scotland captain. Short of a length, outside off. Kyle Coetzer rocks back and slaps it through cover-point. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, shaping in on middle. Kyle Coetzer pushes it to mid on.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Nosaina Pokana sees George Munsey shuffling down the leg side, bowls a length ball on the body. George Munsey works it to square leg. He rotates the strike.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, ! Firsr runs off the bat! Length ball, on leg. George Munsey picks it up early and flicks it to deep square leg. The fielder from fine leg runs to his right to stop the ball but in vain. A boundary.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Length ball, on leg, angling in. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. Nosaina Pokana appeals for an LBW but the umpire shakes his head.Â
PITCH REPORT - Athar Ali Khan says that it is hot and humid in the middle. Tells that it is a lush green outfield. Mentions that it is a good surface. Danny Morrison says that there is a little bit of moisture as well. Adds that hitting the good length areas will be the key for the bowlers.
The captain of Papua New Guinea, Assad Vala, says that the way they fought back in the earlier game was great and they have another opportunity today to get the win. Adds that they were let down by their execution while bowling and it's just about executing the plans. Mentions that there is one change, Chad Soper comes in for Damien Ravu.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Chad Soper (In place of Damien Ravu), Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
Kyle Coetzer, the skippr of Scotland, says that they will bat first. Mentions that they feel the value of putting a good score on this pitch. Tells that the win against Bangladesh was nice but they will focus on today's game. Informs that there is one change. Sharif misses out and Evans comes in for him.
Scotland (Playing XI) - George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (C), Matthew Cross (WK), Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Brad Wheal, Alasdair Evans (In place of Safyaan Sharif).
TOSS - Up goes the coin and lands in the favour of Scotland. They have elected to BAT first!
... MATCH DAY ...
Papua New Guinea bowlers need to step up in this game. There bowlers couldn't make an impression against Oman and they will be eager to perform better against the Scots. The debutants need nothing but a win here if they stand a chance to qualify for Super 12. They have a good batting line up and  would want to give a tough fight. With a lot at stake in this context, which team will come out on top? We shall find out. Stay tuned with us for further updates.
Scotland lead the head-to-head record by 2-0 against Papua New Guinea. They first met during the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifier. Both teams recently battled in Dubai during the UAEÂ Summer T20 Bash. Scotland would look to continue their streak and are strong contenders to qualify for Super 12. They will go through if they win this match and if Oman win against Bangladesh later today.Â
Scotland and Papua New Guinea are set to lock horns in Match 5 of the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Both teams had contrasting fortunes in their respective opening games. Scotland were crumbling at 53/6 but Chris Greaves' all-round show made sure the Scotland edge out Bangladesh and have started their campaign on a resounding note. Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, were thrashed by Oman in their opening encounter. They only managed to put 129 and their bowlers couldn't do anything as Oman won by
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Papua New Guinea
148/10(19.3 Overs)
A do-or-die match for PNG and they will be very happy going into the break. They started off brilliantly as Kabua Morea and Chad Soper made way for the openers. Wickets dried up in the middle phase and in PNG's point of view, so did the runs. As Scotland tried to up the ante, Simon Atai came into the attack and took the big wicket of Cross. Soper took the big wicket of Berrington as well and they will be quite happy with how they played at the fag end of the innings. Chad Soper and Kabua More
We are back for the chase!
... RUN CHASE ...
Right then! 166 needed for Papua New Guinea to keep their qualification hopes alive. Someone need to bat their skin out to fancy a chance against the mightly Scottish What will happen? We shall find out soon as the second-half is just around the corner.Â
Matthew Cross says that they were thinking about 160 and they have got that. Mentions that the wicket is little bit two-paced. Tells that they expect to put PNG under pressure and they have got a lot op options in bowling. Adds that it's a good surface and it is going to be a tough chase for PNG.
Not the best of starts for Scotland but they will be very happy with how things have turned after both the openers fell. Both openers fell in quick succession. 26 for 2 at one stage and Scotland needed a partnership badly. Matthew Cross and Richie Berrington joined hands to rebuild the structure. They started slowly but once they got used to the pitch. they pushed the accelerator. They stitched a 92-run partnership before Cross gave away his wicket but Berrington continued his quarrelsome batt
6 wickets in the last 2 overs while giving away just 15 runs. This has been a brilliant comeback from Papua New Guinea after losing their way in the middle phase. They will be quite happy with how his troops have rallied and now they will fancy their chances to chase it down. Also, a good momentum going into the break.Â
Kabua Morea to Mark Watt, ! Cleaned up! Brilliant stuff from Kabua Morea as he gets his fourth wicket and Papua New Guinea complete a team hat-trick. Pacy delivery, full and on off stump. Mark Watt looks to play the reverse sweep but the ball sneaks in under his bat. The ball crashes into the off stump and Watt also departs for a golden duck. Four wickets fall in the final over as Scotland end with 165/9!
Alasdair Evans walks out.Â
Kabua Morea to Josh Davey, ! CAUGHT! Another bites the dust! In the slot and Josh Davey gives it his all as he clubs it right back over the bowler's head. For a moment it looked to be sailing over the long on fence but Lega Siaka, stationed over there remains unfazed. He takes the catch with ease and Josh Davey has to depart for a golden duck.
Josh Davey is the new batter in.Â
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. The third umpire sees the replay and Michael Leask is caught well short of the crease. The third umpire confirms it by displaying on the big screen.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! RUN OUT! Slight hesitation and Michael Leask pays the price for it. Length again and outside off, Leask walks across his stumps and pulls it towards deep square leg. Assad Vala gets to it quickly and Leask pushes for the second. Kiplin Doriga, behind the stumps whips off the bails in a flash and the replay shows that Leask was not even in the frame. Leask has to depart.
The new man in is Mark Watt.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! WOW! That is some shot from Michael Leask. A length ball, outside off and angled across. Leask shuffles across and flat-bats it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, ! CAUGHT! A slower one, full and well outside off. Chris Greaves makes the mistake of fetching it from that wide and trying to go across. Greaves ends up skying it high and towards wide long on. Lega Siaka settles under it and finally pouches it after some juggling. Kabua Morea gets his second wicket.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, Well bowled. A wide yorker, Leask slices it to third man for a single.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, No Ball! Pace-off and down the leg side. Chris Greaves looks to paddle it fine but the ball tickles the pads on its way to the keeper. They scamper through for a leg bye and a no ball is called for overstepping. Free Hit to follow.
Kabua Morea to bowl the final over.Â
Chad Soper to Chris Greaves, Soper finishes with another short one. Greaves pulls it nicely to deep square leg for a single. Just 5Â runs and 2 wickets off the over.
Chad Soper to Michael Leask, Short again, around off. Leask pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Chris Greaves is the new batsman in.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! CAUGHT! The dangerman, Richie Berrington has to depart and that is a huge blow to Scotland. Chad Soper has a clear game plan of bowling it short and the plan is working perfectly. Short ball, outside off. Berrington fetches it and clubs it nicely but straight to Charles Amini at the cow corner fence. Amini takes a sharp catch and could this prove to be the difference in a big score and a par score?
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Bowled into the surface yet again, Berrington inside-edges it past the stumps. The ball goes towards fine leg and they race back for the second.
Michael Leask walks out to bat.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, ! CAUGHT! This one is slower and bowled into the surface, around off stump. Calum MacLeod tries to fetch it and pull it across but ends up getting a top edge towards wide long on. Kabua Morea runs around from deep mid-wicket and takes a brilliant catch. Scotland lose their fourth and Chad Soper has done the job for his team.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Banged in, around off stump. Richie Berrington pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A low full toss, on middle. Richie Berrington walks across but sweeps it straight to backward square leg. Just a single then and only 4 runs off the over.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, This is top class bowling. Another perfect yorker, around off stump. Calum MacLeod can't get under it and bunts it back onto the deck. The bowler misfields and they scamper through for a quick single.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Calum MacLeod shuffles across his stumps and Pokana follows him with a brilliant yorker. MacLeod looks to sweep it away but can't make the connection.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, LEG BYE! A toe-crusher from Nosaina Pokana. A yorker, around leg stump and Richie Berrington can't do anything about it as he gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and they get a leg bye.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, on leg stump. Richie Berrington can't get it away on the leg side.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Valiant effort but in vain. Pokana misses the wide yorker and serves a full toss, MacLeod also misses out as he mistimes it uppishly towards cover. The fielder dives in but fumbles as the ball lands in front of him. Just a single in the end.
Nosaina Pokana comes back on.
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, Short again and this is pulled firmly to deep square leg for a run.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Change of pace and this is shorter in length, outside off. Berrington pulls it down to wide long on and rotates the strike.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! Fetch that! In the slot, outside off. Richie Berrington gets low and smokes this one back over the bowler's head for a huge maximum. That's his 49th six in T20Is as well.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, around off and tapped back to the bowler.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and leg, Richie Berrington flicks it behind square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.
Chad Soper (2-0-8-1) is back into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, A length ball, on middle. MacLeod presents the full face of the bat and pushes it to long on for a single.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Nicley played! Touch fuller, on middle. Richie Berrington clears his front leg and whacks it over the bowler's head. Beats the long on fielder and fetches himself a boundary. 15 runs coming from the over. Scotland are motoring along very well.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Full again, outside off. Calum MacLeod steers it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, ! Calum MacLeod gets into the act now! What a shot to collect a boundary. Full and on off, Calum MacLeod plays a reverse sweep. Bisects the short third and point fielder perfectly and gets a boundary.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Fuller in length, on off, patted back to the bowler.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Full and outside off, Richie Berrington drills it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Length ball, outside off. Richie Berrington sits low and clubs it straight down the ground towards long off for a boundary. He brings up his fifty as well.Â
Change. Kabua Morea is back on.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Full and wide, way too outside off. Richie Berrington leaves it alone. Wided.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter delivery, around off. Richie Berrington drives it to long off. He retains the strike by picking up a single. Moves onto 48.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Floats it up, outside off. Calum MacLeod rocks back and cuts it through cover-point for a run.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Outside off, worked towards covers.Â
Calum MacLeod walks out.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, ! CAUGHT! Papua New Guinea get the much needed breakthrough and Simon Atai is the man to provide that. Bowls it short again, on middle. This time, Matthew Cross gets low and smacks it straight down the throat of the deep mid-wicket fielder. Charles Amini is stationed there and takes the catch without any trouble. Matthew Cross has to walk back to the pavilion. Nonetheless a good knock from him.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Loopy ball, on off. Richie Berrington drives it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single. That was way too short but Simon Atai gets away with that one.Â
Simon Atai (2-0-16-0) is back into the attack.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Full and on middle, clipped through square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, This one is tucked away off the pads to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Flatter and quicker outside off, Richie Berrington charges down the track and blocks it out.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Quicker ball, outside off. Matthew Cross sweeps it down to long on for a single.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wide given.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short and outside off, slapped to deep cover for a run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Outside off, Richie Berrington works it through mid on. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.Â
Charles Amini is back on to end his spell here.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Another boundary! A full toss, on the pads. Matthew Cross whips it away square of the man at 45. Excellent batting.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Scotland have accelarated exceedingly well after the drinks break. This one is slow and in the slot, at 108 kph. Matthew Cross swings his bat hard and sends the bail sailing over the deep mid-wicket fielder who is just a spectator there. A 76 metre maximum.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Back of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross glances it to deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running!
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Length ball, on middle. Richie Berrington gets down on one knee and hoicks it to deep square leg for just a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, ! Fine leg is up inside the circle and the ball races away. On a length on leg, Richie Berrington shimmies down the track and swings his bat but miscues. The ball goes off the inside edge past short fine for a boundary.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, ! The fielder at deep cover was a mere spectator! Full and on off. Richie Berrington uses his crease and smokes it well over covers for a biggie.Â
Nosaina Pokana (2-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller in length, on middle. Matthew Cross smashes it straight to long on. Only a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Short again but was much quicker. Richie Berrington punches it swiftly but finds cover.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slightly short and outside off. Cross pushes it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slower through the air, on middle. Matthew Cross hangs back and smashes it to deep mid-wicket. He pushes hard for the second run. The fielder fires a throw at the bowler's end and Richie Berrington dives full stretch to make it back to the crease. Wouldn't have mattered anyway as Simon Atai fails to collect the ball. Comfortable two at the end.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Catch is the call but it falls well short of deep mid-wicket! Short and on middle, pulled aerially and towards deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter on middle, swept to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, ! MASSIVE! Can this over change the momentum? Full and on middle. Matthew Cross gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 14 runs from the over.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Around off, a full ball, pushed on the off side for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Welcome boundary and a much-needed one! A full ball, on off. Richie Berrington gets low and smacks it through cover for a boundary. Long off runs across but to no avail.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, On middle, eased down to long on for one run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short in length, on off, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
DRINKS! Papua New Guinea rocked Scotland early as they picked up a couple of wickets in the Powerplay and haven't let them score freely. Richie Berrington and Matthew Cross have played enough deliveries to put some momentum into the innings now and it will be interesting to see what happens in the final 10 overs. Also, Charles Amini has been brought back into the attack.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on off. Cross wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Flatter and on off. Cross pushes it to covers for a quick single. At the halfway mark, Scotland are 67/2.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Sees Berrington come down the track, Atai drags his length back and serves it on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short again, around off. Cross rocks back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter, quicker and on middle. Richie Berrington flicks it to deep square leg for one more.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and angling on middle. Cross hangs back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Just one.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Tossed up on off. Richie Berrington nudges it to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai comes into the attack for the first time today.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A length ball, on off. Richie Berrington works it through covers for one more.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Leg bye! On a length, on middle, a slower ball. Matthew Cross looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Full and on middle. Richie Berrington pushes it straight down the ground for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller again, on middle, tucked to deep square leg for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Tight single! Fuller again and on off. Richie Berrington defends it towards mid off and takes a quick single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Another single to end the over. Flatter delivery, cut away on the off side.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Shortish ball, around off. Richie Berrington cuts it off the back foot through cover-point and picks up a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Slightly shorter, on off. Cross goes deep in his crease and eases it down to long off for another one.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, On middle and pushed down the ground for one. Smart batting from Berrington.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Dragged down and punished. Richie Berrington rocks back and pulls this one into the mid-wicket fence. 50 up for Scotland.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Very full, around off. Cross drives it through covers for a single.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, Fullish ball, well outside off. Cross fetches this one and sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flatter one, on middle and skidding on. Berrington goes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, ! Bang! That one has gone 97 metres! Nicely flighted delivery, on middle. Richie Berrington dances down the track and lifts this one well over the long on fence for a biggie.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flighted ball, around the off pole. Berrington defends it off the front foot.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Nicely tossed up, on off. Richie Berrington prods and defends it out.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, LEG BYE! Loopy, slower ball, on the pads. Cross looks to play the paddle sweep but he misses. The ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg and they get a leg bye.
Lega Siaka is into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, again outside off, with a hint of away movement. A play and a miss from Richie Berrington. Scotland are 37/2 at the end of the Powerplay.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, outside off and nipping away. Richie Berrington looks to play the expansive drive but misses.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Angled in on middle and leg, Berrington gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! A short ball, on leg stump. Richie Berrington rocks back and rolls the wrist, places it perfectly behind square on the leg side and picks up a boundary.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Length again, around off and nudged to cover-point.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, punched off the back foot to short cover.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, ! CAUGHT! Back of a length, on middle and leg. George Munsey decides to muscle the ball across. The timing isn't right and the ball skies up in the air off the lower half of the bat. Gets more height than the distance. Sese Bau from deep square leg, runs ahead and takes a simple catch. Scotland lose both their openers now. This is a good start from Papua New Guinea.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, A length ball, outside off. This is dabbed down to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, ! Good-looking shot from Matthew Cross. Pitched up, on off and driven just to the right of the mid off fielder. The fielder gets a finger on it but the ball races away to the fence.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length again, on the off pole and curving back in. Cross gets caught on the crease and inside edges it onto the pads.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off and slowed up. Cross defends it out.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and shaping back in nicely. Richie Berrington clips it off his legs to deep square leg for one.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Peach! Good-length ball, in that channel around off and going across the right-hander. Matthew Cross looks to play it on the off side but the ball zips past the outside edge.
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, WIDE! Nosaina Pokana starts with a full-length ball, down leg. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. Wided called.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, A risky single! Back of a length, on middle. Richie Berrington is late to close the face of his bat. The ball goes off the thigh pad past the keeper. He collects the ball and fires a throw at the batter's end but misses. The batters get a leg bye.
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Short of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross tucks it to deep square leg for one.Â
Richie Berrington is the new man in.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, Fullish ball, on off. Driven to point.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Chad Soper takes the pace off this time! Slower ball, outside off. Matthew Cross look to pat it on the off side but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls to fine leg for a single.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Well timed stroke! Length ball, outside off. Matthew Cross stands up on his toes and glides it towards deep backward point for a brace.Â
Chad Soper is into the attack now.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Excellent over from Kabua Morea! A wicket and just a single from it. Very full and swinging in late, on leg. Matthew Cross brings out his bat just in time and pushes it to mid on for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off. Matthew Cross presses forward and pushes it towards covers.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a good length, on off. Matthew Cross guides it to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length ball, on off, shaping into the batter. Matthew Cross defends it on the off side.Â
Who walks out at number 3? It is Matthew Cross.
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, ! TIMBER! Kabua Morea draws first blood. Good-length ball, on middle, shaping back in. Kind of a banana swing there. Kyle Coetzer looks to push it on the off side but is outfoxed completely by the inward movement. He misses and the ball crashes the wooden furniture behind him. Kabua Morea is pumped up and Scotland lose their first wicket.Â
Kabua Morea is into the attack.Â
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer flicks it to mid-wicket.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, On the pads, George Munsey this time fails to sweep it. The ball hits the pads and rolls to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, Short and on middle, Munsey clogs it over mid on for a couple of runs.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! Two in a row! Quicker and fuller, on middle. George Munsey goes down on one knee again and plays an aerial sweep towards deep square leg for another boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! George Munsey is so strong on the leg side! Slower and wider, George Munsey walks across, gets low and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, George Munsey makes room for himself but the bowler follows him and bowls a loopy ball on leg, Munsey nudges it to mid on.
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Charles Amini.
Charles Amini to Kyle Coetzer, Loopy ball, on middle. Kyle Coetzer tucks it on the leg side for one.Â
We are all set for the match but before that the players line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Papua New Guinea's first followed by Scotland's national anthem. Done with all the proceedings. It is time for the match to start as the players stride out to the field. The players take a knee to show support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. George Munsey and Kyle Coetzer are the openers for Scotland. Nosaina Pokana to start with the ball.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, On a good length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer bunts it towards mid on and scampers across for a single. 11 runs off the first over.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, ! Kyle Coetzer opens his account in style! Easy pickings for the Scotland captain. Short of a length, outside off. Kyle Coetzer rocks back and slaps it through cover-point. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, shaping in on middle. Kyle Coetzer pushes it to mid on.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Nosaina Pokana sees George Munsey shuffling down the leg side, bowls a length ball on the body. George Munsey works it to square leg. He rotates the strike.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, ! Firsr runs off the bat! Length ball, on leg. George Munsey picks it up early and flicks it to deep square leg. The fielder from fine leg runs to his right to stop the ball but in vain. A boundary.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Length ball, on leg, angling in. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. Nosaina Pokana appeals for an LBW but the umpire shakes his head.Â
PITCH REPORT - Athar Ali Khan says that it is hot and humid in the middle. Tells that it is a lush green outfield. Mentions that it is a good surface. Danny Morrison says that there is a little bit of moisture as well. Adds that hitting the good length areas will be the key for the bowlers.
The captain of Papua New Guinea, Assad Vala, says that the way they fought back in the earlier game was great and they have another opportunity today to get the win. Adds that they were let down by their execution while bowling and it's just about executing the plans. Mentions that there is one change, Chad Soper comes in for Damien Ravu.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Chad Soper (In place of Damien Ravu), Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
Kyle Coetzer, the skippr of Scotland, says that they will bat first. Mentions that they feel the value of putting a good score on this pitch. Tells that the win against Bangladesh was nice but they will focus on today's game. Informs that there is one change. Sharif misses out and Evans comes in for him.
Scotland (Playing XI) - George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (C), Matthew Cross (WK), Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Brad Wheal, Alasdair Evans (In place of Safyaan Sharif).
TOSS - Up goes the coin and lands in the favour of Scotland. They have elected to BAT first!
... MATCH DAY ...
Papua New Guinea bowlers need to step up in this game. There bowlers couldn't make an impression against Oman and they will be eager to perform better against the Scots. The debutants need nothing but a win here if they stand a chance to qualify for Super 12. They have a good batting line up and  would want to give a tough fight. With a lot at stake in this context, which team will come out on top? We shall find out. Stay tuned with us for further updates.
Scotland lead the head-to-head record by 2-0 against Papua New Guinea. They first met during the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifier. Both teams recently battled in Dubai during the UAEÂ Summer T20 Bash. Scotland would look to continue their streak and are strong contenders to qualify for Super 12. They will go through if they win this match and if Oman win against Bangladesh later today.Â
Scotland and Papua New Guinea are set to lock horns in Match 5 of the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Both teams had contrasting fortunes in their respective opening games. Scotland were crumbling at 53/6 but Chris Greaves' all-round show made sure the Scotland edge out Bangladesh and have started their campaign on a resounding note. Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, were thrashed by Oman in their opening encounter. They only managed to put 129 and their bowlers couldn't do anything as Oman won by
A do-or-die match for PNG and they will be very happy going into the break. They started off brilliantly as Kabua Morea and Chad Soper made way for the openers. Wickets dried up in the middle phase and in PNG's point of view, so did the runs. As Scotland tried to up the ante, Simon Atai came into the attack and took the big wicket of Cross. Soper took the big wicket of Berrington as well and they will be quite happy with how they played at the fag end of the innings. Chad Soper and Kabua More
We are back for the chase!
... RUN CHASE ...
Right then! 166 needed for Papua New Guinea to keep their qualification hopes alive. Someone need to bat their skin out to fancy a chance against the mightly Scottish What will happen? We shall find out soon as the second-half is just around the corner.Â
Matthew Cross says that they were thinking about 160 and they have got that. Mentions that the wicket is little bit two-paced. Tells that they expect to put PNG under pressure and they have got a lot op options in bowling. Adds that it's a good surface and it is going to be a tough chase for PNG.
Not the best of starts for Scotland but they will be very happy with how things have turned after both the openers fell. Both openers fell in quick succession. 26 for 2 at one stage and Scotland needed a partnership badly. Matthew Cross and Richie Berrington joined hands to rebuild the structure. They started slowly but once they got used to the pitch. they pushed the accelerator. They stitched a 92-run partnership before Cross gave away his wicket but Berrington continued his quarrelsome batt
6 wickets in the last 2 overs while giving away just 15 runs. This has been a brilliant comeback from Papua New Guinea after losing their way in the middle phase. They will be quite happy with how his troops have rallied and now they will fancy their chances to chase it down. Also, a good momentum going into the break.Â
Kabua Morea to Mark Watt, ! Cleaned up! Brilliant stuff from Kabua Morea as he gets his fourth wicket and Papua New Guinea complete a team hat-trick. Pacy delivery, full and on off stump. Mark Watt looks to play the reverse sweep but the ball sneaks in under his bat. The ball crashes into the off stump and Watt also departs for a golden duck. Four wickets fall in the final over as Scotland end with 165/9!
Alasdair Evans walks out.Â
Kabua Morea to Josh Davey, ! CAUGHT! Another bites the dust! In the slot and Josh Davey gives it his all as he clubs it right back over the bowler's head. For a moment it looked to be sailing over the long on fence but Lega Siaka, stationed over there remains unfazed. He takes the catch with ease and Josh Davey has to depart for a golden duck.
Josh Davey is the new batter in.Â
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. The third umpire sees the replay and Michael Leask is caught well short of the crease. The third umpire confirms it by displaying on the big screen.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! RUN OUT! Slight hesitation and Michael Leask pays the price for it. Length again and outside off, Leask walks across his stumps and pulls it towards deep square leg. Assad Vala gets to it quickly and Leask pushes for the second. Kiplin Doriga, behind the stumps whips off the bails in a flash and the replay shows that Leask was not even in the frame. Leask has to depart.
The new man in is Mark Watt.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, ! WOW! That is some shot from Michael Leask. A length ball, outside off and angled across. Leask shuffles across and flat-bats it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, ! CAUGHT! A slower one, full and well outside off. Chris Greaves makes the mistake of fetching it from that wide and trying to go across. Greaves ends up skying it high and towards wide long on. Lega Siaka settles under it and finally pouches it after some juggling. Kabua Morea gets his second wicket.
Kabua Morea to Michael Leask, Well bowled. A wide yorker, Leask slices it to third man for a single.
Kabua Morea to Chris Greaves, No Ball! Pace-off and down the leg side. Chris Greaves looks to paddle it fine but the ball tickles the pads on its way to the keeper. They scamper through for a leg bye and a no ball is called for overstepping. Free Hit to follow.
Kabua Morea to bowl the final over.Â
Chad Soper to Chris Greaves, Soper finishes with another short one. Greaves pulls it nicely to deep square leg for a single. Just 5Â runs and 2 wickets off the over.
Chad Soper to Michael Leask, Short again, around off. Leask pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Chris Greaves is the new batsman in.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! CAUGHT! The dangerman, Richie Berrington has to depart and that is a huge blow to Scotland. Chad Soper has a clear game plan of bowling it short and the plan is working perfectly. Short ball, outside off. Berrington fetches it and clubs it nicely but straight to Charles Amini at the cow corner fence. Amini takes a sharp catch and could this prove to be the difference in a big score and a par score?
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Bowled into the surface yet again, Berrington inside-edges it past the stumps. The ball goes towards fine leg and they race back for the second.
Michael Leask walks out to bat.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, ! CAUGHT! This one is slower and bowled into the surface, around off stump. Calum MacLeod tries to fetch it and pull it across but ends up getting a top edge towards wide long on. Kabua Morea runs around from deep mid-wicket and takes a brilliant catch. Scotland lose their fourth and Chad Soper has done the job for his team.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Banged in, around off stump. Richie Berrington pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A low full toss, on middle. Richie Berrington walks across but sweeps it straight to backward square leg. Just a single then and only 4 runs off the over.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, This is top class bowling. Another perfect yorker, around off stump. Calum MacLeod can't get under it and bunts it back onto the deck. The bowler misfields and they scamper through for a quick single.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Calum MacLeod shuffles across his stumps and Pokana follows him with a brilliant yorker. MacLeod looks to sweep it away but can't make the connection.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, LEG BYE! A toe-crusher from Nosaina Pokana. A yorker, around leg stump and Richie Berrington can't do anything about it as he gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and they get a leg bye.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, on leg stump. Richie Berrington can't get it away on the leg side.
Nosaina Pokana to Calum MacLeod, Valiant effort but in vain. Pokana misses the wide yorker and serves a full toss, MacLeod also misses out as he mistimes it uppishly towards cover. The fielder dives in but fumbles as the ball lands in front of him. Just a single in the end.
Nosaina Pokana comes back on.
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, Short again and this is pulled firmly to deep square leg for a run.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Change of pace and this is shorter in length, outside off. Berrington pulls it down to wide long on and rotates the strike.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! Fetch that! In the slot, outside off. Richie Berrington gets low and smokes this one back over the bowler's head for a huge maximum. That's his 49th six in T20Is as well.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, around off and tapped back to the bowler.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and leg, Richie Berrington flicks it behind square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.
Chad Soper (2-0-8-1) is back into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Calum MacLeod, A length ball, on middle. MacLeod presents the full face of the bat and pushes it to long on for a single.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Nicley played! Touch fuller, on middle. Richie Berrington clears his front leg and whacks it over the bowler's head. Beats the long on fielder and fetches himself a boundary. 15 runs coming from the over. Scotland are motoring along very well.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Full again, outside off. Calum MacLeod steers it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, ! Calum MacLeod gets into the act now! What a shot to collect a boundary. Full and on off, Calum MacLeod plays a reverse sweep. Bisects the short third and point fielder perfectly and gets a boundary.Â
Kabua Morea to Calum MacLeod, Fuller in length, on off, patted back to the bowler.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Full and outside off, Richie Berrington drills it to sweeper cover for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, ! Length ball, outside off. Richie Berrington sits low and clubs it straight down the ground towards long off for a boundary. He brings up his fifty as well.Â
Change. Kabua Morea is back on.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Full and wide, way too outside off. Richie Berrington leaves it alone. Wided.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter delivery, around off. Richie Berrington drives it to long off. He retains the strike by picking up a single. Moves onto 48.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Floats it up, outside off. Calum MacLeod rocks back and cuts it through cover-point for a run.Â
Simon Atai to Calum MacLeod, Outside off, worked towards covers.Â
Calum MacLeod walks out.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, ! CAUGHT! Papua New Guinea get the much needed breakthrough and Simon Atai is the man to provide that. Bowls it short again, on middle. This time, Matthew Cross gets low and smacks it straight down the throat of the deep mid-wicket fielder. Charles Amini is stationed there and takes the catch without any trouble. Matthew Cross has to walk back to the pavilion. Nonetheless a good knock from him.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Loopy ball, on off. Richie Berrington drives it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single. That was way too short but Simon Atai gets away with that one.Â
Simon Atai (2-0-16-0) is back into the attack.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Full and on middle, clipped through square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, This one is tucked away off the pads to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Flatter and quicker outside off, Richie Berrington charges down the track and blocks it out.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Quicker ball, outside off. Matthew Cross sweeps it down to long on for a single.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wide given.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short and outside off, slapped to deep cover for a run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Outside off, Richie Berrington works it through mid on. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.Â
Charles Amini is back on to end his spell here.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Another boundary! A full toss, on the pads. Matthew Cross whips it away square of the man at 45. Excellent batting.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, ! Scotland have accelarated exceedingly well after the drinks break. This one is slow and in the slot, at 108 kph. Matthew Cross swings his bat hard and sends the bail sailing over the deep mid-wicket fielder who is just a spectator there. A 76 metre maximum.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Back of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross glances it to deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running!
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Length ball, on middle. Richie Berrington gets down on one knee and hoicks it to deep square leg for just a single.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, ! Fine leg is up inside the circle and the ball races away. On a length on leg, Richie Berrington shimmies down the track and swings his bat but miscues. The ball goes off the inside edge past short fine for a boundary.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, ! The fielder at deep cover was a mere spectator! Full and on off. Richie Berrington uses his crease and smokes it well over covers for a biggie.Â
Nosaina Pokana (2-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller in length, on middle. Matthew Cross smashes it straight to long on. Only a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Short again but was much quicker. Richie Berrington punches it swiftly but finds cover.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slightly short and outside off. Cross pushes it through covers for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Slower through the air, on middle. Matthew Cross hangs back and smashes it to deep mid-wicket. He pushes hard for the second run. The fielder fires a throw at the bowler's end and Richie Berrington dives full stretch to make it back to the crease. Wouldn't have mattered anyway as Simon Atai fails to collect the ball. Comfortable two at the end.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Catch is the call but it falls well short of deep mid-wicket! Short and on middle, pulled aerially and towards deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter on middle, swept to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, ! MASSIVE! Can this over change the momentum? Full and on middle. Matthew Cross gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 14 runs from the over.Â
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Around off, a full ball, pushed on the off side for a single.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Welcome boundary and a much-needed one! A full ball, on off. Richie Berrington gets low and smacks it through cover for a boundary. Long off runs across but to no avail.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, On middle, eased down to long on for one run.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Short in length, on off, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
DRINKS! Papua New Guinea rocked Scotland early as they picked up a couple of wickets in the Powerplay and haven't let them score freely. Richie Berrington and Matthew Cross have played enough deliveries to put some momentum into the innings now and it will be interesting to see what happens in the final 10 overs. Also, Charles Amini has been brought back into the attack.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on off. Cross wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Flatter and on off. Cross pushes it to covers for a quick single. At the halfway mark, Scotland are 67/2.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Sees Berrington come down the track, Atai drags his length back and serves it on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short again, around off. Cross rocks back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a single.
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Flatter, quicker and on middle. Richie Berrington flicks it to deep square leg for one more.
Simon Atai to Matthew Cross, Short and angling on middle. Cross hangs back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Just one.Â
Simon Atai to Richie Berrington, Tossed up on off. Richie Berrington nudges it to long on for a single.Â
Simon Atai comes into the attack for the first time today.
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, A length ball, on off. Richie Berrington works it through covers for one more.
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Leg bye! On a length, on middle, a slower ball. Matthew Cross looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Full and on middle. Richie Berrington pushes it straight down the ground for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller again, on middle, tucked to deep square leg for a single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Richie Berrington, Tight single! Fuller again and on off. Richie Berrington defends it towards mid off and takes a quick single.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Matthew Cross, Fuller and on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Another single to end the over. Flatter delivery, cut away on the off side.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, Shortish ball, around off. Richie Berrington cuts it off the back foot through cover-point and picks up a single.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Slightly shorter, on off. Cross goes deep in his crease and eases it down to long off for another one.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, On middle and pushed down the ground for one. Smart batting from Berrington.
Charles Amini to Richie Berrington, ! Dragged down and punished. Richie Berrington rocks back and pulls this one into the mid-wicket fence. 50 up for Scotland.
Charles Amini to Matthew Cross, Very full, around off. Cross drives it through covers for a single.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, Fullish ball, well outside off. Cross fetches this one and sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flatter one, on middle and skidding on. Berrington goes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, ! Bang! That one has gone 97 metres! Nicely flighted delivery, on middle. Richie Berrington dances down the track and lifts this one well over the long on fence for a biggie.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Flighted ball, around the off pole. Berrington defends it off the front foot.
Lega Siaka to Richie Berrington, Nicely tossed up, on off. Richie Berrington prods and defends it out.
Lega Siaka to Matthew Cross, LEG BYE! Loopy, slower ball, on the pads. Cross looks to play the paddle sweep but he misses. The ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg and they get a leg bye.
Lega Siaka is into the attack.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Good-length ball, again outside off, with a hint of away movement. A play and a miss from Richie Berrington. Scotland are 37/2 at the end of the Powerplay.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, outside off and nipping away. Richie Berrington looks to play the expansive drive but misses.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Angled in on middle and leg, Berrington gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, ! A short ball, on leg stump. Richie Berrington rocks back and rolls the wrist, places it perfectly behind square on the leg side and picks up a boundary.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Length again, around off and nudged to cover-point.
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, Back of a length, punched off the back foot to short cover.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, ! CAUGHT! Back of a length, on middle and leg. George Munsey decides to muscle the ball across. The timing isn't right and the ball skies up in the air off the lower half of the bat. Gets more height than the distance. Sese Bau from deep square leg, runs ahead and takes a simple catch. Scotland lose both their openers now. This is a good start from Papua New Guinea.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, A length ball, outside off. This is dabbed down to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, ! Good-looking shot from Matthew Cross. Pitched up, on off and driven just to the right of the mid off fielder. The fielder gets a finger on it but the ball races away to the fence.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length again, on the off pole and curving back in. Cross gets caught on the crease and inside edges it onto the pads.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off and slowed up. Cross defends it out.
Kabua Morea to Richie Berrington, Fullish ball, on middle and shaping back in nicely. Richie Berrington clips it off his legs to deep square leg for one.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Peach! Good-length ball, in that channel around off and going across the right-hander. Matthew Cross looks to play it on the off side but the ball zips past the outside edge.
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, WIDE! Nosaina Pokana starts with a full-length ball, down leg. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. Wided called.Â
Chad Soper to Richie Berrington, A risky single! Back of a length, on middle. Richie Berrington is late to close the face of his bat. The ball goes off the thigh pad past the keeper. He collects the ball and fires a throw at the batter's end but misses. The batters get a leg bye.
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Short of a length, on leg. Matthew Cross tucks it to deep square leg for one.Â
Richie Berrington is the new man in.
Chad Soper to George Munsey, Fullish ball, on off. Driven to point.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Chad Soper takes the pace off this time! Slower ball, outside off. Matthew Cross look to pat it on the off side but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls to fine leg for a single.Â
Chad Soper to Matthew Cross, Well timed stroke! Length ball, outside off. Matthew Cross stands up on his toes and glides it towards deep backward point for a brace.Â
Chad Soper is into the attack now.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Excellent over from Kabua Morea! A wicket and just a single from it. Very full and swinging in late, on leg. Matthew Cross brings out his bat just in time and pushes it to mid on for a single.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a length, around off. Matthew Cross presses forward and pushes it towards covers.Â
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, On a good length, on off. Matthew Cross guides it to backward point.
Kabua Morea to Matthew Cross, Length ball, on off, shaping into the batter. Matthew Cross defends it on the off side.Â
Who walks out at number 3? It is Matthew Cross.
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, ! TIMBER! Kabua Morea draws first blood. Good-length ball, on middle, shaping back in. Kind of a banana swing there. Kyle Coetzer looks to push it on the off side but is outfoxed completely by the inward movement. He misses and the ball crashes the wooden furniture behind him. Kabua Morea is pumped up and Scotland lose their first wicket.Â
Kabua Morea is into the attack.Â
Kabua Morea to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer flicks it to mid-wicket.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, On the pads, George Munsey this time fails to sweep it. The ball hits the pads and rolls to short fine leg.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, Short and on middle, Munsey clogs it over mid on for a couple of runs.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! Two in a row! Quicker and fuller, on middle. George Munsey goes down on one knee again and plays an aerial sweep towards deep square leg for another boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, ! George Munsey is so strong on the leg side! Slower and wider, George Munsey walks across, gets low and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.Â
Charles Amini to George Munsey, George Munsey makes room for himself but the bowler follows him and bowls a loopy ball on leg, Munsey nudges it to mid on.
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Charles Amini.
Charles Amini to Kyle Coetzer, Loopy ball, on middle. Kyle Coetzer tucks it on the leg side for one.Â
We are all set for the match but before that the players line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Papua New Guinea's first followed by Scotland's national anthem. Done with all the proceedings. It is time for the match to start as the players stride out to the field. The players take a knee to show support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. George Munsey and Kyle Coetzer are the openers for Scotland. Nosaina Pokana to start with the ball.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, On a good length, on middle. Kyle Coetzer bunts it towards mid on and scampers across for a single. 11 runs off the first over.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, ! Kyle Coetzer opens his account in style! Easy pickings for the Scotland captain. Short of a length, outside off. Kyle Coetzer rocks back and slaps it through cover-point. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash.Â
Nosaina Pokana to Kyle Coetzer, Fuller in length, shaping in on middle. Kyle Coetzer pushes it to mid on.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Nosaina Pokana sees George Munsey shuffling down the leg side, bowls a length ball on the body. George Munsey works it to square leg. He rotates the strike.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, ! Firsr runs off the bat! Length ball, on leg. George Munsey picks it up early and flicks it to deep square leg. The fielder from fine leg runs to his right to stop the ball but in vain. A boundary.Â
Nosaina Pokana to George Munsey, Length ball, on leg, angling in. George Munsey looks to flick but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. Nosaina Pokana appeals for an LBW but the umpire shakes his head.Â
PITCH REPORT - Athar Ali Khan says that it is hot and humid in the middle. Tells that it is a lush green outfield. Mentions that it is a good surface. Danny Morrison says that there is a little bit of moisture as well. Adds that hitting the good length areas will be the key for the bowlers.
The captain of Papua New Guinea, Assad Vala, says that the way they fought back in the earlier game was great and they have another opportunity today to get the win. Adds that they were let down by their execution while bowling and it's just about executing the plans. Mentions that there is one change, Chad Soper comes in for Damien Ravu.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Chad Soper (In place of Damien Ravu), Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
Kyle Coetzer, the skippr of Scotland, says that they will bat first. Mentions that they feel the value of putting a good score on this pitch. Tells that the win against Bangladesh was nice but they will focus on today's game. Informs that there is one change. Sharif misses out and Evans comes in for him.
Scotland (Playing XI) - George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (C), Matthew Cross (WK), Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Brad Wheal, Alasdair Evans (In place of Safyaan Sharif).
TOSS - Up goes the coin and lands in the favour of Scotland. They have elected to BAT first!
... MATCH DAY ...
Papua New Guinea bowlers need to step up in this game. There bowlers couldn't make an impression against Oman and they will be eager to perform better against the Scots. The debutants need nothing but a win here if they stand a chance to qualify for Super 12. They have a good batting line up and  would want to give a tough fight. With a lot at stake in this context, which team will come out on top? We shall find out. Stay tuned with us for further updates.
Scotland lead the head-to-head record by 2-0 against Papua New Guinea. They first met during the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifier. Both teams recently battled in Dubai during the UAEÂ Summer T20 Bash. Scotland would look to continue their streak and are strong contenders to qualify for Super 12. They will go through if they win this match and if Oman win against Bangladesh later today.Â
Scotland and Papua New Guinea are set to lock horns in Match 5 of the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Both teams had contrasting fortunes in their respective opening games. Scotland were crumbling at 53/6 but Chris Greaves' all-round show made sure the Scotland edge out Bangladesh and have started their campaign on a resounding note. Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, were thrashed by Oman in their opening encounter. They only managed to put 129 and their bowlers couldn't do anything as Oman won by