Netherlands' failure to beat Scotland within sufficient time confirms PNG's qualification for their first major ICC event
Papua New Guinea have qualified for their first-ever global tournament after reaching next year's Men's T20 World Cup in Australia.
The team led by Australian Joe Dawes became the first to book their place in the showcase event via the ongoing qualifying event in the United Arab Emirates.
Five other berths remain up for grabs for the 16-team event, due to take place in October and November next year.
The 45-run win over Kenya, which gave PNG a record of five wins and a defeat from their six group matches, meant they were all-but assured of qualification.
Netherlands drew level on 10 points with victory over Scotland in their final game but were unable to overhaul Papua New Guinea's net run-rate during the success.
The moment PNG qualified for the #T20WorldCup!
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 27, 2019
Look how much it means to them! pic.twitter.com/F2PM64vAcn
The Dutch needed to reach their target of 131 in 12.3 overs but required 27 additional delivers to secure the win by four wickets, forcing them to settle for second place in Group A.
They will now go into the play-offs, with a place in the tournament in Australia still up for grabs.
In the other qualifying group Ireland, hosts UAE and Canada are battling it out for the other direct berth.
Sides who miss out but finish in the top four have a second chance to qualify via the play-offs which take place next week.
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