Netherlands, Hong Kong qualify for World T20

Abu Dhabi, Nov 29: The Netherlands and Hong Kong clinched the final two places among the Associates for the 2014 World Twenty20 to be held in Bangladesh, with emphatic victories.

The Netherlands beat Scotland by eight wickets while Hong Kong defeated Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 29 runs Thursday. The Dutch chased down Scotland’s 147/6 with 13 balls to spare as Hong Kong bounced back after missing the chance to qualify the previous day, when they lost to Nepal.

The line up for the fifth edition of the cricket World T20, from March 16 to April 6, is now complete. The 10 full ICC members are joined by six qualifiers — Afghanistan, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

No.3 Wesley Barresi led the Dutch charge with 75 not out from 47 balls, including eight fours and a six. Barresi shared half century stands with Ben Cooper (40) and Michael Swart (30 not out) as the Dutch coasted to 149/2.

Earlier, Scotland were rescued by a third wicket partnership of 111 between Matt Machan (61) and Michael Leask (58), the pair coming together with their team in trouble at 1/2 in the second over. Leask struck five sixes in his 46-ball innings.

The result came as a relief for Netherlands captain Peter Borren after his side missed the chance to qualify Wednesday when they lost to UAE. “I’m very glad we made it through but I feel for Scotland.”

PNG appeared to have Hong Kong on the ropes at 19/4 but they were lifted to 137/9 by the middle order trio of Babar Hayat (48), Mark Chapman (28) and Munir Dar (22), opening bowlers Pipi Raho and Willie Gavera claiming three wickets apiece.

When PNG slipped to 59/5 in reply, their hopes seemed to rest with Geraint Jones but he was dismissed for 20 in the 15th over. They were eventually bowled out for 108 at the start of the 20th over with 41-year-old slow left armer Dar taking 3/26.

“I have no words. It will be the first time Hong Kong will play in the World Twenty20,” Hong Kong captain Waqas Barkat said.