The Blackcaps racked up an impressive 172/5 first up on the back of Martin Guptill’s power-packed 93. And in reply, Scotland never looked like chasing it down, finishing on 156/5, still 16 runs short. Chasing 173, Scotland lost their openers but ensured they didn’t fall well behind as they reached 76/2 at the halfway point of their chase.

Matt Cross struck five fours in a row off Adam Milne to ease some pressure on Scotland. Tim Southee then removed Matthew Cross in the 11th over.

Calum MacLeod and Richie Berrington went back to the dressing room in 15th and 16th over respectively as Scotland slumped to 106/5. In the end, Scotland fell short 16 runs short of the target.

Earlier batting first, Martin Guptill struck seven sixes in an astonishing 93 off 56 balls to lift New Zealand to 172/5 against Scotland.

Meanwhile, Scotland wicket-keeper Matthew Cross was caught on the stump-mic, reminding his fellow teammate and bowler Chris Greaves that entire India is backing him during the match against New Zealand . Cross’ statement came in connection with team India’s chances to qualify into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2021 if Scotland would have won against New Zealand.

He was caught on the stump-mic, saying, “Whole India is behind you,” to Greaves. Scotland needed to defeat the Kiwis, for India to qualify

Brief Scores: New Zealand 172/5 (Martin Guptill 93, Glenn Phillips 33*; Safyaan Sharif 2-28, Brad Wheal 2-40) vs Scotland 156/5 (Michael Leask 42*, Matthew Cross 27; Trent Boult 2-29, Ish Sodhi 2-42)