USA batter reveals 'ultimate goal', underdogs Oman and Scotland hero praised: CWC23 Qualifier Daily Digest - Day 4

The Cricket World Cup Qualifier Daily Digest - Day 4 is your one-stop destination to keep track of everything CWCQ, be it breaking news, quirky statistics or behind-the-scenes content.

• Netherlands v USA
• West Indies v Nepal

USA’s latest star’s ‘ultimate goal’ is to play against Virat Kohli

Fresh from scoring his first ODI century, USA’s Shayan Jahangir has said one of his goals is to play against Indian superstar Virat Kohli. Jahangir lifted USA from 70 for 5 with an unbeaten 79-ball 100 against Nepal in Harare, though he couldn’t prevent a six-wicket defeat.

“To play against Virat Kohli, that’s my ultimate goal,” Jahangir said. “Play against him, and show there’s another batter on the block, waiting for the opportunities in all these big leagues.”

'What a knock!’– Scotland captain praises Leask for incredible win

Scotland skipper Richie Berrington hailed Michael Leask’s brilliant 91* in the run-chase after Scotland pulled off a heist in the Group B clash of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier game at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

“I felt after seeing the wicket in the first innings and heard how hard it was to defend towards the end,” Berrington told ICC in the post-match press conference. “When someone’s set, you’re always in the game. Obviously, losing a few more wickets than we’d have liked…put us in a more difficult position.

"What an incredible knock by Michael Leask. You know when he is at the crease, you are always in the game. It was fantastic to see him get us over the line. Obviously, special to get a win like that in the first game.”

Oman prove they are no underdogs

Two days after Oman skipper Zeeshan Maqsood stressed that they are “not underdogs” after the win over Ireland, his side did it again, beating UAE quite convincingly to make it two wins out of two in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

"The way Aqib and Shoaib batted was key,” Maqsood highlighted after the game, praising the two half-centurions who laid the foundation for Oman’s run-chase. “Later on Ayaan and Nadeem played well. On that track, if you get set, bowlers can't get you out."

Oman are now top of Group B, where the race is tight with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland and UAE making up the four other strong teams.

Scotland’s incredible streak

With the successful run-chase against Ireland, Scotland have now won 13 of their last 14 ODIs, stretching back to May 2021, when batting second.

They are currently on a nine-match winning streak when chasing with their last loss coming more than a year ago against USA.

Milestone for George Dockrell

All-rounder George Dockrell became the second player to take 100 ODI wickets for Ireland when he dismissed Scotland’s Chris Greaves in Harare. Kevin O’Brien is the leading ODI wicket-taker for Ireland with 114 scalps to his name.

The milestone adds to a strong start for Dockrell in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. He made a career-best 91* in Ireland’s opening game against Oman, and followed it up with a 69, combining with Curtis Campher in a crucial partnership, to rescue his side from 70 for 5 against Scotland.

CWCQ – The format

Two groups, each made up of five teams, play a round-robin series within their group.

The top three teams in each group then progress to the CWC Qualifier Super Six stage, while carrying over their results from the two matches against the other teams to advance from their initial group.

The teams that progress to the Super Six stage will then play the three teams to advance from their opposite group to complete the pivotal match-ups.

The top two teams at the end of the Super Six stage will book their ticket to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India later this year, while also facing off in a CWC Qualifier Final on July 9.

CWC Qualifier 2023: All you need to know

Cricket World Cup Qualifier teams

Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, Sri Lanka, UAE, USA, West Indies and Zimbabwe make up the 10 teams playing in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023.

Follow Cricket World Cup Qualifier live scores

Follow the live scores in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in the ICC Match Centre.

Match Centres and Scorecards