Papua New Guinea, Scotland fight for third-place honours
Overview
Papua New Guinea v Scotland
Kampong Cricket Club, Utrecht
3rd Place Playoff, WT20Q 2018
Saturday, 14 July, 10:00 GMT, 12:00 Local
PNG’s campaign started on a low note with a loss against Bangladesh, but has since gained ground as they got past the United Arab Emirates and followed it up by knocking out hosts the Netherlands to qualify for the semi-finals of the qualifiers.
However, that’s where the dream ended for PNG as they came up against Ireland, who proved far too strong for them. Chasing 114 for a place in the final, PNG came up against Lucy O'Reilly, whose career-best 3/13 derailed the chase.
They now face Scotland, as the two teams target the third spot in the eight-team competition. PNG will have a big task up their sleeve against a good Scottish batting unit that has done fairly well in the competition.
Scotland started the tournament with a commanding win over Uganda. After skittling the opposition for just 43, the batters chased down the target in mere 6.5 overs. They lost to Ireland the following game, but another solid 27-run win over UAE helped them qualify for the semi-finals.
Their run in the tournament was ended by Bangladesh, the highest-ranked team in the mix, in a 49-run loss.
In a lot of ways, Scotland and PNG's campaign has been similar. On some days, the batting has come good, while on others the bowling. The collective effort is what both teams have lacked, one of the main reasons behind them failing to qualify for the marquee event.
Key players
Brenda Tau (Papua New Guinea): She started the competition slowly against Bangladesh, but has since then found form. Coming in at the crucial No.3 spot, Tau has so far so scored 76 runs in four outings. She will once again have the responsibility of taking the side to a good total against a good Scotland attack.
Sarah Bryce (Scotland): The opener as shown great form in the qualifiers and is the second-highest scorer in the tournament so far with 121 runs in four innings. She has more often than not given Scotland good starts and, alongside her sister Kathryn, will be responsible for taking Scotland to a good score.
Squads
Papua New Guinea: Pauke Siaka (c), Natasha Ambol, Vicky Ara'a, Kaia Arua, Helen Buruka (wk), Veru Kila Frank, Sibona Jimmy, Kopi John, Ravini Oa, Tanya Ruma, Brenda Tau (wk), Mairi Tom, Isabel Toua, Naoani Vare
Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (c), Abbi Aitken, Sarah Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Becky Glen, Laura Grant, Lorna Jack, Abtaha Maqsood, Katie McGill, Jess Mills, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Scholes, Ellen Watson, Ruth Willis