Scots beat Oman in tense finish

ICC World Cup Qualifier, Walter Milton Oval, Johannesburg:
Scotland 274-9 (50 overs) beat Oman 265-9 (50 overs) by nine runs

Scotland enjoyed more cheer in the World Cup qualifying tournament with a nine-run victory over Oman at the Walter Milton Oval in Johannesburg.

Kyle Coetzer's excellent knock of 127 and a four-wicket haul from Jan Stander saw the Scots secure their second group win in three games.

Oman fell narrowly short of their target by finishing on 265 for nine after being set a total of 274 to win.

The Scots responded well after captain Ryan Watson was dismissed on one.

Durham batsman Coetzer smashed his 127 off 141 balls after being put into bat in their third Group A match.

Gavin Hamilton (12) also succumbed early in Scotland's innings, but Coetzer found an able partner in Navdeep Poonia (79) as the pair found their rhythm.

And their third-wicket stand of 136 was an important factor in Scotland's victory.

Zeeshan Siddiqui - who was the pick of the Oman bowlers with three for 64 - tore through the middle order, removing Colin Smith (five), Neil McCallum (nine) and Moneeb Iqbal (one) inside nine overs.

But the Scots staged a late rally and added an impressive 44 runs in the last five overs.

Oman started their innings strongly courtesy of ultra-aggressive opener Syed Maqsood Hussain, who helped them rack up 40 runs inside three overs.

They needed 15 to win from the final six balls but fell short, with Ali unbeaten on 31 alongside Syed Tariq Hussain, one not out, as the Scots held on for victory.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Match scorecard (Cricinfo)
Cricket Scotland
Omani Cricket
International Cricket Council
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