The Scotsman

Scotland’s shock defeat hinders World Cup qualifying prospects

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Scotland’s cricketers yesterday failed to clinch their place in next year’s World Cup qualifier after slumping to a shock fivewicket defeat to Papua New Guinea.

The Scots, who had won their first clash with the same opponents two days earlier, knew another victory would ensure a top-four finish in the World Cricket League and a chance to fight for a place at the 2019 World Cup.

However, their batsmen picked the worst possible time to produce the poorest performanc­e of their two-week tour. While runs had flowed against Auckland and Friday’s clash with Papua Guinea, yesterday they dried up.

Only Matthew Cross showed the urgency and controlled aggression which has become the hallmark of the Scots in recent times.

Cross featured in a promising opening stand of 46 with skipper Kyle Coetzer but when Coetzer was run out for 22, he was left to fight a lone battle.

Calum Macleod and Richie Berrington, who had already hit centuries earlier on the tour, both went for singlefigu­re scores along with Con de Lange.

Georgemuns­eyhelpedcr­oss add 51 for the fifth wicket but was trapped in front for 22 as the Papua New Guinea bowlers continued to dominate.

Cross was eventually eighth out for a battling 120-ball 91 featuring 11 boundaries before Scotland were all out for just 203 in the final over.

Chris Sole and Ali Evans picked up a wicket each with the Papua New Guinea total on 44 but the Scots were unable to take advantage, Asad Vala (49) and Maharu Dai (64no) leading the hosts to victory with two overs to spare.

Defeat, coupled with Kenya’s victory over Netherland­s, means Scotland must beat the Kenyans at least once when they meet later this year to clinch a place at the qualifier.

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