Papua New Guinea's openers gave them the perfect start against The Netherlands ©ICC

The Netherlands' unbeaten run at the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup Qualifier came to an end, thanks to an outstanding all-round performance from Papua New Guinea.

The Group A encounter at ICCA Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), was a thriller, as Papua New Guinea chased down a total of 126 in 19 overs.

It was a disappointing batting effort from the European side, with only number nine Timm van der Gugten offering serious resistance, scoring 40 in 21 balls in their 126-7.

Papua New Guinea openers Tony Ura and captain Assad Vala provided an ideal platform with an opening stand of 47, while Sese Bau's 34 included five boundaries.

They reached 127-5 with six balls to spare and now top Group A.

Hong Kong were hugely impressive in their win over Canada ©ICC
Hong Kong were hugely impressive in their win over Canada ©ICC

Scotland's Calum MacLeod continued his outstanding form, as they piled up a tournament high score of 204-4 against Bermuda at Dubai International Stadium, also in Group A. 

MacLeod had already registered scores of 44, 30 and 39 in the UAE, and his 74 today backed up George Munsey's 51.

Bermuda toiled hard, but could only reach 158-8.

In Group B, Hong Kong pulled of a surprise with a convincing victory over the previously unbeaten Canada.

From 24-3, Hong Kong recovered to post 150-7, mainly thanks to 59 not out from Kinchit Shah.

Canada lost wickets at regular intervals in their run-chase, with Nasrulla Rana taking 3 for 25 with the ball.

The men in red could only reach 118-9, losing by 32 runs.

The other Group B match saw Nigeria continue to struggle.

Still winless in the competition, they could only score 111-3 against UAE, despite a spirited half-century from Sesan Adedeji.  

But their opponents cruised to the total in just 12.3 overs and now sit third in the standings.