Led by Kyle Coetzer, Scotland will look to strengthen their place for the Super 12 by beating Papua New Guinea on 19 October, in Match 5 of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman. They are high on confidence after stunning Bangladesh less than 48 hours ago.
Chris Greaves and Mark Watt were the architects of that triumph. Asked to bat, Scotland slipped from 45/1 to 53/6 before Greaves and Watt came to the rescue. They shared 51 for the seventh wicket, and guided their side to 140/9.
Coming to defend, Bradley Wheal and Josh Davey gave dismissed both Bangladeshi openers inside four overs. Then, just when Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim looked set to shift the gear, Greaves came into the attack, and removed both in successive overs. Watt then got the dangerous Afif Hossain to deliver the final blow. Bangladesh were restricted to 134/7.
PNG are coming to this fixture after 11 back-to-back defeats in the limited-overs cricket. Barring Assad Vala and Charles Amini, they looked lacklustre during their thumping 10-wicket defeat in their last match, against Oman.
While Scotland are unlikely to change their winning combination, PNG may bring in Chad Soper for Kabua Morea or Damien Ravu. If PNG manage to register their debut win in the tournament, Vala will have a crucial role to play in it.
Likely XIs
Scotland: Kyle Coetzer (c), Matthew Cross (wk), George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Bradley Wheal.
Papua New Guinea: Assad Vala (c), Kiplin Doriga (wk), Tony Ura, Charles Amini, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Nosaina Pokana, Chad Soper, Kabua Morea.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Appoint Munsey captain this time. He will be looking to score big against the comparatively weak PNG bowling unit.
- Coetzer fell for a seven-ball duck against Bangladesh. Expect him to get into the groove this time.
- Vala can be a safe vice-captain pick. Include Amini as well.
Prediction
Scotland should win this match by a big margin to improve its net run rate.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Kyle Coetzer, Assad Vala (vc), Matthew Cross, George Munsey (c), Richie Berrington, Charles Amini, Norman Vanua, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Chad Soper, Bradley Wheal.