Two key matches, related to the ICC T20 World Cup, were played on Monday (October 18). In one, at the Al Amerat Stadium in Oman – and this was a qualifying stage match of the Cup – Bangladesh were shocked by Scotland, further diminishing the hopes of the test playing nation to make it to the Super 12.
In the other – a warm-up match, actually – favourites India emerged victorious versus England by 7 wickets at the Dubai Stadium.
Virat Kohli’s team won the toss and elected to field first, and packed England off for 188 for the loss of 5 wickets. India scored 192, losing just three wickets, to seal off the victory. India may be the favourites, but they are ranked second in this Cup, and having beaten England, the top seeds, India’s confidence level should have now gone sky high.
For England, Jonny Bairstow scored 49 off 36 deliveries, while Moeen Ali got 43 off just 20. Mohammed Shami was India’s most successful bowler, picking up 3 wickets at a cost of 40 runs.
As India went to bat, KL Rahul scored a 21-ball 51 and Ishan Kishan a 46-ball 70. Captain Kohli again failed to make a mark, making just 11 off 13 deliveries.
Successful English bowlers were David Willey (3/16) and Mark Wood (2/22).
Bangla lose
In the group stage Scotland scored 140/9 off their 20 overs, with Chris Greaves scoring 45 (28 balls) and George Munsey hitting 29 (23). Bengal bowler Mahedi Hasan’s 3/19 and Shakib Al Hasan’s 2/17 could not stop the run flow.
Bangladesh managed just 134/7 in their 20 overs, Mushfiqur Rahim’s 38 (36 deliveries) and Mahmudullah’s 23 (22), proving not good enough. The main wicket takers for Scotland were Brad Wheal (3/24) and Chris Greaves (2/19).
Scotland won by 6 runs.
