Scotland reach Super Six with 76-run win over Oman in ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Qualifier

Scotland have booked their place in the Super Six stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers after a stellar performance against Oman.
Five-wicket hauls from centurion Brandon McMullen and Chris Greaves played a key role in Scotland’s 76-run victory in Bulawayo on Sunday. Additionally, Ireland’s defeat by Sri Lanka ensured that both Oman and Scotland progressed to the Super Sixes. But today’s win over Oman will also give Scotland the added benefit of taking two points into the next stage. Scotland are second on the points table in Group B with three wins from three matches and a total of six points. Oman is in third place with two wins and two losses in four matches. He has a total of four points to his name.

Scotland’s unbeaten run #cwc23 Qualifiers continue with thumping win over Oman

, #skovoma, pic.twitter.com/mAebDYljmb– ICC (@ICC) 25 June 2023

Chasing a target of 321, Oman got off to a slow start, with Kashyap Prajapati and Jatinder Singh adding just 25 runs in the first 10 overs. The pent-up pressure led to Prajapati’s collapse in the 11th over when he was clean bowled for 12 by centurion McMullen. Soon after, Jatinder (14) also fell victim to Adrian Neill. Captain Zeeshan Maqsood and Aaqib Ilyas then took control of the innings with a 32-run partnership before Maqsood went for a slog sweep and was bowled by Michael Leask for eight. One brought two as Aaqib Ilyas was dismissed for 31 by Mark Watt in the very next over. Scotland were reduced to 72/4.

A strong partnership for the fifth wicket between Mohammad Nadeem and Ayan Khan added 30 runs. With the fall of Nadeem for 15 runs in the 30th over, Oman had lost half their team and needed around 11 runs per over to win the game. A 105-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Naseem Khushi (69 from 53 balls with seven fours and three sixes) and Shoaib Khan (36 runs from 42 balls with two fours and one six) at the end of the day Brought some entertainment into the proceedings. A partnership of 105 runs was added for the seventh wicket, but by then Scotland’s hold on the match was complete. Chris Greaves (5/53) took his first five wicket haul during this innings. Scotland could only manage 244/9 runs in 50 overs.

Earlier in the day, Scotland recovered from a poor start to post a challenging total against Oman. Bilal Khan got Oman off to a flying start when he dismissed Christopher McBride lbw on his third ball of the game. Scotland were hard pressed against a disciplined new ball effort from Gulf and managed only two runs from their first four overs.

Matthew Cross and Brandon McMullen gradually settled down and increased the scoring rate. The two added 82 runs and McMullen brought up his half-century, which included four fours and three sixes.

In the 19th over, Jay Odedra finally got the breakthrough for Oman when he called Cross (27) to play the ball. Captain Richie Berrington then shook hands with McMullen and took the innings forward. Over time, Berrington became comfortable on the wicket, while McMullen continued to move at a brisk pace. The latter completed his maiden ODI century in the 32nd over. The pair added 100 runs in just 97 balls.

After McMullen’s century, Scotland batted with extra alacrity and added 58 runs in overs 33–38. Berrington completed his 17th ODI half-century during this period.
The Scotland captain was finally run out in the 39th over trying to take a run from the misfield after scoring 60 off 62 balls with the help of seven fours. A few overs later, McMullen (136 off 121 balls with 14 fours and three sixes) also fell victim to Bilal in an attempt to increase the scoring rate. Some more hitting from Bilal pushed back the Scottish innings. But late in the game, vital contributions from Thomas McIntosh (32) and Mark Watt (25) helped the European team cross 300. Bilal was one of Oman’s bowlers and finished at 5/55.

Earlier, Oman won the toss and elected to bowl against Scotland. Richie Berrington’s side have a 4–1 win record in six ODIs (one no result) in League 2.