T20 World Cup Qualifiers | Papua New Guinea and Ireland confirm tickets to Australia
Papua New Guinea and Ireland have clinched top spots in their respective groups and have qualified for next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. Papua New Guinea came back emphatically in their match versus Kenya, while other match results went in favor of Ireland as they claimed top spot in Group B.
Hong Kong vs Nigeria
Hong Kong, who were aiming to finish in the top four and give themselves a chance to qualify for the World Cup, could not have got off to a better start as they restricted Nigeria for just 81-8 in their 20 overs. Skipper Aizaz Khan had magical figures of 2 for 5 in his 2 overs. Other bowlers too chipped in and Hong Kong were set a target of 82.
In reply, Hong Kong threw the kitchen sink at everything to try to chase the target within 6 overs. Eventually, they chased down the target in 43 balls, giving themselves a chance to finish in the fourth spot depending on results elsewhere.
Papua New Guinea vs Kenya
PNG needed a win to guarantee their ticket to Australia. However, they got off to the worst start possible. Emmanuel Ringera, who played for Kenya for the first time in this tournament, ran through the PNG top order to reduce them to an unbelievable 19-6.
A rearguard effort was needed to put the PNG innings back on track and that was provided by Norman Vanua, who scored a well-made 48-ball 54. PNG, from a horrendous position, recovered and managed to set Kenya a target of 119.
In reply, Kenya got off to a wobbly start as they lost opener Dhiren Gondaria in the first over. But fellow opener Irfan Karim was looking to make short work of the chase as he went on a rampage against the PNG bowlers, taking the total to 40 in 5 overs. However, it proved to be one shot too many as he lost his wicket to Damien Ravu. This triggered an unlikely collapse from the Kenyans. Captain Asad Vala was absolutely terrific for Hong Kong, claiming figures of 3 for 7 in his four overs. Nosaina Pokana also grabbed three wickets as Kenya were bowled out for 73, handing PNG a 45-run win and a place in next year’s T20 World Cup.
Jersey vs Oman
Jersey batted first in their last attempt to grab the fourth spot. Nick Ferraby and Nick Greenwood provided a good opening stand of 60. But post that stand, wickets started to tumble as Jersey were at one stage reduced to 96 for 5. A late impetus from Dominic Blampied helped Jersey score 141 in their 20 overs.
Oman needed a big win to clinch top spot in their group, but in quest of that, they lost wickets at regular intervals. Captain Zeeshan Maqsood was the only shining light, scoring a 47-ball 56. Eventually, the total proved to be too much as Oman suffered a 14-run defeat, meaning they lost out on the chance to seal direct qualification.
Netherlands vs Scotland
The Dutch needed to chase down the target in 7.3 overs to grab top spot in their group and from the outset, it seemed like an impossible task. Scotland, batting first, got no momentum whatsoever in their innings, as keeper Matthew Cross turned out to be the only saving grace scoring a 44-ball 52 as Scotland posted 130-8, giving their bowlers something to bowl at.
The total was obviously below par and the Dutch, knowing that they cannot chase the target in 7.3 overs, aimed to end the group stage with a win and confirm a top four spot. After a shaky start, reduced to 31-3 at one stage, skipper Ryan Ten Doeschate stole the show with a 35-ball 51 and remained unbeaten alongside keeper Scott Edwards to provide Netherlands with a 4-wicket win.
UAE vs Canada
Hosts UAE batted first and were right in the middle of a collapse after being 6 for 2, losing both openers cheaply. But Muhammad Usaman led a fightback alongside Rameez Shahzad, who also chipped in with a handy knock. Usman remained unbeaten on 89 off 63 balls as UAE posted a fighting total of 154.
The Canadian openers gave their team a steady start with skipper Navneet Dhaliwal scoring a well-made 41 off 36 balls, but Waheed Ahmed, with figures of 3 for 21 off his four overs, was the star for UAE as they managed to beat Canada by 14 runs. Since the margin of defeat had to be 150 runs or more for the hosts to grab top spot, Ireland qualified as Group B winners and booked their place in next year's mega event.