Oman scrape into semi-finals of Desert T20 despite defeat to Scotland

DUBAI // Oman will represent the Gulf region in the semi-finals of the first Desert Twenty20 Challenge among eight Associate nations despite losing to Scotland in the final group-stage game on Thursday.

Scotland won by seven wickets to hand the Gulf side a second loss in three group games. The Netherlands and Hong Kong had identical win-loss records as Oman, but the latter went through with the best run-rate after a big win over the Dutch on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Oman batted out their full quota of overs for 133 all out and then ensured there were no easy runs for Scotland with a disciplined bowling effort.

Oman could have won but Mathew Cross helped the Scots over the line with a 40-ball knock of 47 with three boundaries and two sixes.

Afghanistan ensured there was no let-up in their effort as they thrashed Namibia by 64 runs in an inconsequential Pool A game earlier. Already qualified, Afghanistan racked up 167 for six before the bowlers applied the squeeze.

The fast bowlers chipped away at the Namibia top order and leg-spinner Rashid Khan mopped up the tail for best figures of three wickets for four runs.

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