A superb century by Matt Cross takes Scotland to top of Super Six table and edged them closer to World Cup qualification.

It was a one-way traffic at the Queens Sports Club after Scotland scored 322 for six and then dismissed the UAE for 249 in 49.4 overs with fast bowler Chris Sole taking four for 68.

The highlight of Scotland’s innings was a second career century by Cross in his 40th ODI.

The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman scored 114 from 135 balls with five fours and four sixes, adding 161 runs for the second wicket with MacLeod, whose 79-ball 78 included eight fours and a six.

There were also breezy cameos by skipper Kyle Coetzer (43), George Munsey (30), and Richie Berrington (37*) - who became Scotland's most capped player,  winning his 211th cap overtaking Majid Haq (210).

The only positive for the UAE was their captain Rohan Mustafa’s continued good form with the ball, when he finished with four for 56.

While Scotland's win was never in doubt, their hopes of gaining a really huge margin of victory was dented by half centuries from Mohammad Usman (80) and Ahmed Raza (50).

Who knows how crucial that could be in the final analysis as they and Zimbabwe vie alongside West Indies, Ireland and Afghanistan for one of the two 'golden tickets'.

Scotland beat UAE by 73 runs, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Scotland 322-6, 50 overs (Matthew Cross 114, Calum MacLeod 78, Kyle Coetzer 43, Richie Berrington 37 not out, George Munsey 30; Rohan Mustafa 4-56)

UAE 249 all out, 47.4 overs (Mohammad Usman 80, Ahmad Raza 50, Rohan Mustafa 32, Ashfaq Ahmed 30; Chris Sole 4-68, Safyaan Sharif 2-36, Brad Wheal 2-45)

Player of the Match – Matthew Cross (Scotland)