A career-best 114 from Matthew Cross proved to be the difference as Scotland defeated the UAE by 73 runs in their World Cup Qualifier clash on Thursday.

The Saltires kicked off their Super Six campaign in style with a commanding win which puts them in a strong position to qualify for the final ahead of next year’s World Cup.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, it was a welcome return to form for Scotland who have struggled to post big scores in the early stages of the tournament.

Cross in particular had been struggling, having failed to pass 18 in his four knocks so far, but was back in form as Scotland posted a mammoth 322 for six. UAE captain Rohan Mustafa was the stand-out bowler with figures of 4-56.

Kyle Coetzer made a breezy 43 before he was dismissed, but Cross combined with Calum MacLeod (78) for a 161-run stand for the second wicket to put Scotland in a strong position.

The two pressed the accelerator going into the final 10 overs as Scotland put on 121 in the final 11 overs, but it was Cross who anchored the innings brilliantly in his 135-ball knock, which included four sixes. Richie Berrington and Harry Munsey helped boost the total above the 300 mark.

With a big target to chase, the UAE made a positive start in reply but after reaching 62, they lose three wickets for two runs.

A superb seventh-wicket stand of 104 between Mohammad Usman (80) and Ahmed Raza (50) lent some respectability to the UAE’s run-chase, but it was not quite enough as they were bowled out for 249.

Chris Sole finished with four for 68 as Scotland eventually clinched the win to move to the top of the table following West Indies’ defeat to Afghanistan.

For the UAE, they will take on Afghanistan on March 20.