Cricket: Scotland beat Italy by 7 wickets

SCOTLAND took an important step towards qualifying for the World Twenty20 after beating Italy by seven wickets in Dubai today.

Opener Richie Berrington hit a match-winning 67 to help chase down Italy’s 136 for eight with two overs to spare.

Off-spinner Majid Haq was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed two for 16 from his four overs, while Matthew Parker snared two for 24 from three.

The win moves Scotland above the Italians and into third place in Group B - the final qualification position for this week’s play-offs.

Victory over the lowly United States in their final group game tomorrow will ensure Scotland reach the play-offs.

Six teams will compete in the play-offs for the two qualification places at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, which starts on September 18.