T20 World Cup Qualifier | Doom for Netherlands, Canada as the race to qualify intensifies

Netherlands batted first and putting runs on the board was the main objective. However, they lost three wickets in the powerplay and could never really gather any momentum throughout the innings. Charles Amini was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 24 off his four overs. Sese Bau was also impressive with a wicket and a run-out. The Dutch were restricted to just 126 in their 20 overs.

Needing 127 runs to win, a steady start was needed. After surviving some early close shouts, Tony Ura and skipper Asaad Vala gave a good start to Papua, putting up 47 runs for the first wicket. Roelof van der Merwe caused problems for the batting side as they lost two quick wickets. But Sese Bau with a breezy 26-ball 34 ensured that Papua New Guinea were home and dry, handing the Dutch their first defeat of the tournament.

The hosts put in Nigeria to bat first and the latter were hopeful of gaining their first points in the tournament. However, their quest did not start well as they were robbed early by some quality bowling from Junaid Siddique and skipper Ahmed Raza, reducing the Nigerians to 22 for 3. Chimezie Onwuzulike and Joseph Adedeji made sure that the Nigerians did not lose any further wickets with knocks of 46 and 51 respectively, but could not provide that late flourish as Nigeria managed to post a total of just 111 in their 20 overs.

Batting first, Hong Kong were in a spot of bother at 24 for 3 having just lost their skipper. But Kinchit Shah proved to be the dependable man for Hong Kong as he managed to score 59 off 48 balls, with useful contributions from Waqas Barkat, Haroon Arshad and keeper Scott McKechnie to help Hong Kong reach a respectable total of 150 in 20 overs.

Facing shock defeats to Singapore and Papua New Guinea, Scotland needed to make a statement of intent as they faced a Bermuda side who were on a winless streak. Batting first, Scotland were dominant as Callum MacLeod smashed a 37-ball 74 that included 9 fours and 2 sixes. Opener George Munsey assisted him with a well-made 51. Late cameos from Ollie Hairs and Richie Berrington ensured that Scotland posted a daunting total of 204 in their 20 overs.