Match Preview – P.N.G. vs Scotland, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021/22, 5th Match, First Round Group B

PNG, meanwhile, are a loss away from an early exit, less than 48 hours after their maiden T20 World Cup outing against Oman

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Scotland are on a high, and a win on Tuesday could take them a step closer to the Super 12s. Papua New Guinea are a loss away from an early exit, less than 48 hours after their maiden T20 World Cup outing against Oman. That realisation can be disconcerting, but it’s the reality of the format; only two teams from the pool can qualify into the next round.

Both sides have been in Oman for over a month. There’s a sense of familiarity now, with Scotland and PNG having played each other in two 50-over matches and a T20I in the last three weeks alone. Scotland won comfortably each time but are aware of the fickle nature of the format. All PNG need is to look to their opponents, who toppled in-form Bangladesh on Sunday, for inspiration.

Both sides need their batters to fire. In their opening game, PNG lost two wickets for no runs, while Scotland stuttered to 53 for 6. Where Scotland did remarkably well, though, was in trying to remain positive in good batting conditions, instead of being bogged down by the scorecard, with Chris Greaves and Mark Watt leading the turnaround.

PNG were in an excellent position to up the tempo courtesy a half-century stand between Assad Vala and Charles Amini, but couldn’t find the finishing kick against Oman, hurtling to a 129 which they felt was at least 25 short. With the ball, they couldn’t work up any rhythm and were let down by the fielders. Tuesday calls for a massive lift if they are to remain alive in the competition.