HAMPSHIRE’S Brad Wheal has helped Scotland take another big step towards potential World Cup qualification.

The seamer’s new-ball skills ensured Scotland began their campaign in Group B with back-to-back wins against Afghanistan and Hong Kong in Bulawayo.

Having beaten Afghanistan by seven wickets in their opening game, thanks in part to Wheal’s 3-36, Scotland overcame a sloppy batting performance to claim another big win and put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the Super Sixes.

Tom Sole was the chief destroyer with the ball.

The brother of Hampshire II all-rounder Chris took 4-15 as Hong Kong collapsed from 46-0 to 76-7, before being dismissed for 91.

Much of the pressure was applied by Wheal, who did not get the wickets he deserved but conceded only 11 runs from his seven overs, which included three maidens.

Alisdair Evans (3-19) and Mark Watt (2-23) helped finish off the tail.

Scotland suffered a couple of early setbacks in reply, slipping to 50-3 before Harry Munsey’s 22 took them to the brink of victory.

Skipper Kyle Coetzer stood firm with an unbeaten 41 as his side stumbled over the line to win by four wickets with more than 26 overs to spare.

Durban-born Wheal, 21, qualifies for Scotland through his mum but his long-term goal is to qualify for England, which he is on course to do in four years’ time.

Scotland play Nepal in Bulawayo tomorrow