Scots’ World Cup hopes dashed by UAE

Scotland’s World Cup qualification hopes suffered another blow with a second defeat against the United Arab Emirates this week after their hosts bettered their target of 206 with one ball to spare.

The UAE leapfrogged Scotland into second place in the ICC World Cricket League Championship with a two-wicket victory to follow their four-wicket triumph on Wednesday.

Kyle Coetzer top-scored for Scotland with 73 as the visitors made 205 for nine in their 50 overs, but UAE hit 209 for eight in a thrilling finale.

Scotland had travelled to Sharjah with a 100 per cent record and ambitions of replacing Ireland at the top of the table but they remain two points behind their Celtic rivals, and now UAE, with eight points from six games. Scotland now face Canada twice in Aberdeen in July in their next fixtures as they look to get their World Cup hopes back on track.