Scotland is through to the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup after a historic victory over Oman’s secured the top spot in their qualifying group with a perfect three wins out of three. The eight-wicket triumph sees the Scots into the main draw of a World Cup for the first time across either T20 or 50-over formats and they will join India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and one other qualifier in competing for two semi-final places. Having upset Bangladesh in their opening match and then beaten outsiders Papua New Guinea, Scotland was left with what was effectively a winner-takes-all clash against the co-hosts.

Josh Davey took three wickets as Scotland limited Oman to 122 from their 20 overs, before Kyle Coetzer’s 41 off 28 balls and Richie Berrington’s unbeaten 31 off 21 saw them home with 18 balls to spare, the latter sealing victory with a six off the final ball of the 17th over. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh had hammered Papua New Guinea to book their place in the Super 12, where they will meet England, Australia, West Indies, South Africa, and one other qualifier. Sri Lanka is guaranteed to progress from the second first-round group, but their finishing position – and therefore Super 12 opponents – will be determined by results in the final set of qualifying fixtures on Friday.

Ireland is currently second in the same group but is only clear of Namibia on net-run-rate, making the pair’s meeting tomorrow a decider, while Sri Lanka can seal the top spot and a place in England’s group by beating the Netherlands. Scotland reached the T20 World Cup second round for the first time on Thursday with a thumping eight-wicket win over Oman. The Scots comfortably chased down their target of 123 with 18 balls to spare to register their third win out of three in qualifying. Captain Kyle Coetzer top-scored for Scotland with 41 off 28 balls with three sixes and two fours despite taking a nasty blow on his hand. Richie Berrington, finished the game with a huge six to remain 31 not out.

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Oman is making history. No stoping from here.

Matthew Cross (26) was also undefeated. Scotland will go into Group 2 of the Super 12s alongside Afghanistan, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the runners-up from qualifying Group A – likely to be either Ireland or Namibia. Bangladesh, who were stunned by Scotland in their opening game, secured the second qualifying spot in Group B by seeing off Papua New Guinea by 84 runs. They will play in Group 1 alongside Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies, probably Sri Lanka, and either Ireland or Namibia. “What a day for Scottish cricket, the boys are buzzing,” said man-of-the-match and fast bowler Josh Davey who took 3-25.

“It was a great occasion to showcase my skills, we had a bit of luck but will take that every day of the week. “We’ve got the belief, a lot of bases covered, and T20 is about momentum, and we can take that on.” Scotland came into the 2021 tournament having never progressed beyond the first round in their three previous appearances, winning just one game in seven. Scotland restricted Oman to 122 all out. Oman, who won the toss and opted to bat, had a terrible start when Jatinder Singh was out the second ball following a run-out mix-up which left him and opener Aqib Ilyas at the same end.

Ilyas went on to top score with 37 off 35 balls but the home side never shook off the shackles of the Scottish bowling. Only three Oman batters reached double figures. Sri Lanka qualified on Wednesday from Group A with either Ireland or Namibia set to join them on Friday.