Abu Dhabi: Afghanistan continued their seemingly inexorable march to the World Twenty20 with a 14-run win over Scotland at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Noor Ali's blistering 42, when wickets were falling around him, provided the early impetus in Afghanistan's 131 for 7 and Shapoor Zadran's remarkable bowling - he conceded just eight runs in four overs - held Scotland at bay to ensure Afghanistan an all but certain passage into the Super Fours.
Brief scores
Afghanistan: 131 for 7 (Noor Ali 42, Coetzer 3-25)
Scotland: 117 for 9 (McCallum 38, Hassan 3-32)
Results: Afghanistan won by 14 runs