Dubai, Nov 3: Opener Martin Guptill’s blistering 56-ball 93, which was built around monstrous sixes and authoritative batting, set up a 16-run win for New Zealand over a spirited Scotland in the T20 World Cup here on Wednesday.
In all, Guptill smashed seven sixes and six fours as New Zealand posted 172 for five in the Group 2 Super 12 match.
Scotland replied with 156 for five in their allotted 20 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Michael Leask blazed away to an unbeaten 42 off 20 balls, but his effort was not enough for the Scots.
Guptill added 105 runs for the fourth wicket with Glenn Phillips (33) to put his team in a commanding position.
Asked to bat first, New Zealand were off to a brisk start with Guptill leading the way in the company of Daryl Mitchell (13). As many as 13 runs came in the match’s very first over bowled by Bradley Wheal (2/40), but Safyaan Sharif (2/28) made an excellent start in the next over, giving away just one run.
Mitchell was trapped in front of the wicket by Sharif in the fifth over. The on-field umpire’s decision was challenged, albeit unsuccessfully.
Seamer Sharif got the big wicket of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (0) four balls later, as a diving Matthew Cross completed a good catch behind the stumps.
Unperturbed by the double blows, Guptill smashed Evans for a maximum over backward square leg fence, as the Kiwis collected a productive 52 runs during power play.
With that big hit, Guptill became only the second batter after Indian captain Virat Kohli to cross 3000 runs in T20 Internationals.
Only 18 runs came between the 6th and 10th over as Scotland tightened things.
In reply, Scotland were 76 for three as the 12th over approached. From there, the Scotland innings could not gather momentum, despite Michael Leask’s lusty hits, as they lost by 16 runs. (PTI)
