ICC World Twenty20 qualifier, Abu Dhabi:
USA 121-4 (19.1 overs) beat Scotland 120-7 (20 overs) by six wickets
Match scorecard (ICC official site)

Scotland made 120-7 against the USA in Abu Dhabi

Scotland suffered a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Twenty20 when they were beaten by the USA in their opening qualifier.

The USA won by six wickets after reaching Scotland's total of 120-7 with five balls remaining.

Scotland elected to bat first in Abu Dhabi and captain Gavin Hamilton was his side's top scorer with 41.

But Jamaican-born Carl Wright hit 62, while Guyanese Lennox Cush added 41 to set up the USA's surprise victory.

The Scots must now bounce back in matches against Afghanistan and Ireland if they are to be one of the two teams to qualify for the next stages from their pool.

Afghanistan, who beat the Irish by 13 runs on Tuesday, are next up for the Scots on Wednesday.

A disappointed Hamilton said: "I think credit should be given where it is due. The USA bowled well with the new ball and our batting wasn't up to the standard against them.

"Every game is now a must-win. We're going to have a look at the team and we may well have to do a bit of a reshuffle in the side for our game against Afghanistan."

USA heroes Wright and Cush added 97 runs for the second wicket in 82 balls, with the former clubbing eight fours from 57 balls, while Cush struck three fours and a six from 39 balls.

"It was a collective effort and a great achievement," said Wright. "The bowlers made it much easier for us to go out and get the runs.

"I'm excited about my man-of-the-match but we have to keep up with our positive attitude and move as a group for our game against Ireland."

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