New Zealand beat Scotland by 16 runs to complete their second win of the T20 World Cup. They currently sit at third place in Group 2.
New Zealand went with an unchanged side that beat India on Sunday. Scotland recalled their captain Kyle Coetzer after he was fit to play, but missed an injured Josh Davey.
After Coetzer opted to field, Martin Guptill He dominated the 35-run opening stand with Daryl Mitchell. Safyaan Sharif provided the first blow, pinning Mitchell LBW despite a DRS. Four balls later, he had Kane Williamson caught behind for a duck. Davon Conway soon fell to the in-form Mark Watt. At 52/3, it looked like Scotland would run away with it.
But Guptill took over at this stage. Untroubled by any bowler, he raced to 93 in 56 balls with 6 fours and 7 sixes. Glenn Phillips (33 in 27) helped him add 105 before falling to Brad Wheal. Guptill, exhausted by the afternoon heat of Dubai, hit the next ball to long on. Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner then took New Zealand to 172/5. Sharif finished with 2-28 and Wheal with 2-40.
In response, the top six batters Scotland batters all reached double digits. Coetzer and George Munsey added 21 for the first wicket in 2.4 overs before Coetzer (17) was dismissed by Trent Boult. Munsey (22) and Cross (27) added another 45 in just 31 balls. Scotland kept the run rate going, and eventually finished on 156/5, Michael Leask top-scoring with an unbeaten 42. Trent Boult (2-29) and Ish Sodhi (2-42) shared 4 wickets.
Guptill was named Player of the Match for his effort.
Brief scores: New Zealand 172/5 in 20 overs (Martin Guptill 93; Safyaan Sharif 2-28) beat Scotland 156/5 in 20 overs (Michael Leask 42*; Trent Boult 2-29) by 16 runs. Player of the Match: Martin Guptill.