T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest Scotland Predicted Playing XI against New Zealand

Scotland were exceptional when they played the qualifiers of the T20 World Cup 2021. Having beaten Bangladesh, Oman and Papua New Guinea, the team was expected to come out with all guns blazing in the next round of the ongoing mega event.

However, Scotland have had a tough time in the Super 12 as they are languishing at the bottom of the points table with a horrendous net run rate of -3.562. To start with, they lost by 130 runs to Afghanistan after which Namibia beat them by four wickets on October 27.

Scotland are in a must-win scenario going into their final three matches in the Super 12. Moreover, they also need to take care of their nrr, which has taken a hammering. In their next game, they will be up against an upbeat New Zealand, who are coming of an eight-wicket win over India.

Here is Scotland’s predicted Playing XI for NZ vs SCO Match:

Openers- George Munsey, Matthew Cross

Kyle Coetzer missed the previous game due to a finger injury and it’s yet not known if he’ll make a comeback in the next match. If he doesn’t, Matthew Cross may continue opening the batting along with George Munsey.

Cross is in pretty decent form, having scored 101 runs at an average of 25.25. The right-hander scored 19 against Namibia before left-arm fast bowler Jan Frylinck rattled his woodwork.

Munsey, on the other hand, has looked promising, but is yet to translate his talent into substance. The left-handed batter has racked up 89 runs at an average of 17.80 and a strike rate of 125.35.

Middle-Order- Richie Berrington, Calum Macleod, Craig Wallace

Richie Berrington led the Scots against Namibia in Coetzer’s absence and he can’t afford to drop his guard by any means. He is currently the leading run-scorer for Scotland in the tournament, having notched 103 runs at an average of 25.75.

Even he’s a little out-of-form as he scored ducks in Scotland’s previous two outings. Calum Macleod has been a prolific run-scorer for Scotland over the years, but he has looked woefully short of form.

Like Berrington, even Macleod has registered two ducks in the World Cup. Craig Wallace replaced Coetzer in the eleven last time, but got out to David Wiese after scoring four off 13 balls.

All-rounders- Michael Leask, Chris Greaves

Michael Leask had a satisfactory outing against Namibia, albeit his team ended up on the losing side. After the Scots lost four early wickets for 18, Leask scored a quickfire 27-ball 44, decorated with four fours and two massive sixes.

The spinner also picked up the two crucial wickets of Gerhard Erasmus and David Wiese. Chris Greaves has been chipping in with useful performances, having scored 84 runs at an average of 21 and picking up four wickets.

Bowlers- Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Bradley Wheal

Josh Davey has been the standout bowler for Scotland in the tournament without a doubt. The right-arm fast bowler has picked up nine wickets at an excellent economy rate of 7.02. Earlier in the tournament, the speedster also notched a four-wicket haul against Assad Vala’s Papua New Guinea.

Bradley Wheal started the World Cup on a handsome note, picking up three wickets against Bangladesh. But since then, he has blown a tad hot and cold. Mark Watt has got five wickets and his economy of 5.50 is the best among his teammates. Safyaan Sharif has also accounted for five scalps.