Watts and Coetzer inspire Scotland

Fraser Watts was in imperious form for Scotland, smashing 74 off 44 balls as they racked up 163 for four against Uganda

Fraser Watts and Kyle Coetzer hit half-centuries as Scotland beat Uganda by 56 runs and kept their hopes of winning the Twenty20 tri-series alive ahead of their showdown with Kenya on Thursday.

After Scotland were put into bat, the duo plundered a 130-run partnership in 13.1 overs as Gavin Hamilton’s men posted a commanding total of 163 for four, before restricting their opponents to 107 for nine in their response.

Watts, who arrive at the crease with the score on 23 after Ryan Watson had departed for 17, smashed an impressive 73 off just 44 balls. He hit eight fours and three sixes before being caught off the bowling of Asadu Seiga.

Coetzer struck three fours and three sixes in his 53-ball knock of 64 and he was dimissed with 10 balls of the innings remaining.

But the damage had already been done by then and only David Arinaitwe’s 2-18 off three overs bore any respectablity for Uganda.

It did not get much better with the bat for Uganda as they quickly found themselves 10 for three off 3.5 overs, as Gordon Drummond taking two quick wickets with the new ball.

Despite 38 off 33 balls from Akbar Baig and 20 off 16 from Frank Nsubga, Uganda lost regular wickets.

The new-ball pair of Drummond - who ended with 2-14 - and Dewald Nel - who took 2-12 - did most of the damage for Scotland, athough Majid Haq chipped in with an impressive 2-14 off his four overs.

The win sees Scotland move on to four points in the tri-series, two behind leaders Kenya, who they meet tomorrow in the final match. Hamilton's men must seal a comprehensive victory if they are to overturn the net run rate sufficiently enough to claim top spot.