SCOTLAND last night stepped-up their World Cup Houdini Act with a stunning victory over the Netherlands and now look poised to escape from Group B with their qualification hopes intact.

The Scots were in danger of failing to reach the knockout phase after losing three of their first four matches.

But yesterday's 15-run triumph in Dubai means they now need to beat Denmark tomorrow (Sun) to progress to the next stage in their quest for a place at next year's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

After being sent in to bat, the Scots posted an imposing 161-4 thanks to a superb unbeaten 67 from Matt Machan and a blistering 41 from Rob Taylor.

They had suffered an early setback when in-form Calum MacLeod was caught behind for just 3.

However, Richie Berrington scored 38 from 31 deliveries to put the innings on course before Machan took charge.

The Sussex man stroked six boundaries and one six in his highest T20 score for Scotland.

However, when Michael Leask and Kyle Coetzer both went cheaply the Scots, on 93-4 in the 15th over, still had work to do to post a challenging total.

Leicestershire's Taylor provided the perfect cameo, facing just 19 balls and hitting four boundaries and two massive sixes in his 41no as Scotland added 58 runs in the last five overs.

The Dutch were on course to pull off a successful run-chase as they cruised to 73-1 after ten overs.

However, a superb spell of spin from Majid Haq tipped the balance back in Scotland's favour as the run-rate began to rise.

The Clydesdale bowler claimed the key wickets of Michael Swart and Eric Swarczynski to finish with 3-20 from four crucial overs.

Wes Barresi kept Holland's hopes alive with a batting unbeaten 70 but Scotland held their nerve to complete a 15-run win.

The Scots must now turn their attentions to a Danish side who are yet to win a game and Haq warned: "We know what we have to do but we can't take Denmark lightly as the job isn't done yet."

Reflecting on a fine Scottish display against the table-topping Dutch, Haq added: "It was an unbelievable win today.

"We knew it was a must-win game and we gave exactly the right response. All eleven players contributed in what was a good team performance.

"The last four overs of our innings by Machan and Taylor gave us the momentum.

"We took that into the second half of the match and kept taking wickets at the right time."

Taylor, awarded his second man-of-the-match award, said: "We were clinical and ruthless.

"I felt good out there and was able to play with a bit of a free reign because of how well Matt was playing."