Cricket: Scotland, UAE seal final World Cup spots

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The United Arab Emirates and Scotland have secured the final berths for next year's Cricket World Cup after topping the super sixes section of the qualifying tournament in Christchurch.

Both teams needed victory in yesterday's final round to seal their spots and managed that, setting up a meeting in tomorrow's final at Lincoln, near Christchurch.

The match is merely to determine the eventual pool positions of the sides at the World Cup - with the winner to join co-hosts New Zealand in group A - meaning the real celebration came yesterday.

And for Scotland, that celebration was not without its nervous moments, as their three-wicket win over Kenya was secured with just three balls to spare at Hagley Oval.

Scotland were always behind the asking rate after Kenya - already out of contention - posted 260 after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Opener Alex Obanda's 89 helped Kenya overcome four run-outs and post a formidable chase for the Scots, who did themselves no favours by bowling 24 extras.

Matty Cross hit 55 to have his side away to a good start in that chase, but three wickets from Thomas Odoyo pulled Kenya back into the contest.

And once captain Preston Mommsen fell for 78 following some lusty hitting, Scotland were left needing 35 from 25 balls.

Enter No8 Rob Taylor, who hit an unbeaten 46 from 37 balls to snatch a final-over win and book Scotland's third World Cup place.

The UAE had an easier time in making it to their second tournament and first since 1996, with captain Khurram Khan steering his side to a 36-run win over Namibia.

Khurram top-scored with 49 as UAE racked up 263 before being dismissed on the penultimate ball, setting a target Namibia never really looked like hauling in.

In yesterday's other match, Hong Kong beat Papua New Guinea by three wickets.