World Twenty20 warm up: Oman scripts morale boosting win
Oman scripted a hard-earned 14-run victory against Scotland in a World Twenty20 warm-up match in Mohali on Friday.
Preston Mommsen's batsmen could manage no more than 147 for seven in their 20 overs against a dogged Oman
performance after the Oman batsmen had made a challenging 161 for six. Zeeshan Maqsood (58) and Khawar Ali (29) put on 72 for the opening wicket as Oman started impressively. Their partnership set the tone of the day's play. During the chase Scotland's initial response was in complete contrast as it got off to a miserable start that left the team tottering on 14 for four. George Munsey's unbeaten 48 from 30 balls stood out a laudable rearguard effort for Scotland even though the team fell short of the target. Earlier in the day left-arm spinner Mark Watt responded to Oman's fine opening stand with a haul of three for 36. But Scottish seamer Alasdair Evans conceded 22 runs in the 17th over - including two wides - as Oman went on to set a tough target. Another left-arm spinner Ajay Lalcheta (3-26) later did most of the damage for Oman early into the Scotland innings as three of the top four batsmen departed for just one run among them. Scotland appeared to have been headed for a massive defeat until Munsey came to the fore unleashing some big-hitting to narrow the margin down. Oman plays another warmup match in Mohali on Sunday against Afghanistan. It starts its World T20 campaign in Dharamshala on March 9 against Ireland. Brief scores: Oman 161-6 in 20 overs (Maqsood 58) beat Scotland 147-7 in 20 overs (Munsey 48 n.o; Lalcheta 3-26).