Guptill Stars In New Zealand's 16 Run Win Over Scotland

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Martin Guptill's 93 guided New Zealand to a safe total which in turn helped the Kiwi bowlers to defend it and hand Scotland a 16-run win in the 32nd match of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. 

Chasing a stiff total of 173, Scotland were off to a solid start despite losing the wicket of captain Kyle Coetzer inside the powerplay. Mathew Cross upped the run rate in the 6th over when he smashed Adam Milne for five fours in an over. 

However, Ish Sodhi brought the breakthrough and got George Munsey out for 22 and soon Cross also got out after scoring 27. 
New Zealand bowled tight lines and didn't let the Scot batters break free. Michael Leask, when the game was out of the hands, smashed 42 off just 20 balls with the help of three fours and three sixes and made sure Scotland didn't lose by a big margin. 

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, New Zealand lost two wickets - Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson - but smashed 52 runs inside the powerplay. Just after the restrictions were lifted, Kiwis lost their third wicket in the form of Devon Conway. 

Guptill, who was looking in spectacular rhythm, along with Glenn Phillips added 105 runs in the next 73 balls to not only revive the innings but get New Zealand to a defendable total. The opener was absolutely smacking them out of the park and had a great opportunity to score a T20I century. 

However, the Dubai heat got to him as he got out scoring 93 on the very next ball after Phillips was removed by Brad Wheal in the 19th over. Guptill, during his knock, also completed 3000 T20I runs and 150 sixes. 

James Neesham and Mitchell Santner added 15 runs in nine balls to help New Zealand cross the 170-run mark. 

Brief Scorecard: 

New Zealand - 172/5 
Scotland - 156/5