Papua New Guinea vs Scotland – T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Papua New Guinea vs Scotland taking place? Friday, October 8th, 2021 – 10:30 (UK)
Where is Papua New Guinea vs Scotland taking place? ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai, UAE
What is the expected weather for Papua New Guinea vs Scotland? 36-37c with sunshine and a gentle breeze.
What channel is Papua New Guinea vs Scotland on? The match will be televised live on Foodxp (Sky channel 712) in the UK
Where can I stream Papua New Guinea vs Scotland? SonyLIV subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the SonyLIV website and app
LAST MEETING
Scotland beat Papua New Guinea by four runs.
THE TEAM NEWS
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
- Papua New Guinea return to action here in the 20 over format for their first T20i match since November as their preparations for the fast-approaching T20 World Cup really start to ramp up.
- The side will be captained by veteran all-rounder Assad Vala, whose top order batting and left-arm off-spin bowling will be crucial to his side’s chances of success in this match.
- Left-arm medium pace bowler Kabua Morea comes into this encounter on the back of some excellent form with the ball in the 50 over format, most recently taking a five-wicket haul against Oman and could well spearhead the PNG bowling attack here.
SCOTLAND
- Scotland last featured in the 20 over format back at the start of September when they were beaten 1-2 at home to Zimbabwe in a three-match series and will be desperate to gain some momentum in this particular form of the game ahead of the T20 World Cup.
- George Munsey at the top the order will be tasked to get Scotland off to a fast start with the bat as he no doubt looks to utilise his signature shots such as the sweep and reverse sweep, whilst captain Kyle Coetzer should accompany him at the top of the order.
- Whilst wicketkeeper batter Matthew Cross has been opening for Scotland in the 50 over format, he is likely to drop down the order here, accompanying the likes of Calum MacLeod in the middle order.
THE PREDICTION
Scotland twice got the better of Papua New Guinea last month in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures and whilst they were contested in the 50 over format, Scotland will take confidence psychologically from both of those victories, knowing that they have the players capable of overcoming their opponents once again here in a 20 over aside battle. PNG’s lack of T20i cricket could well stand against them here as they will likely need time to build some momentum and cohesion as a collective unit in this form of the game. With that in mind, Scotland have to be favoured for victory in this one.
