Scotland's World Cup dream is all but over after they slumped to a shock 42-run Super Eight defeat at the hands of Afghanistan at the qualifying tournament in South Africa.

Scottish skipper Ryan Watson won the toss and stuck Afghanistan in only to see opener Karim Khan and skipper Nowroz Mangal hit 92 and 72 respectively as they amassed 279 off their 50 overs.

Seamer John Blain, Dewald Nel, Craig White and Majid Huq all picked up two wickets each but it wasn't enough to contain Khan, who smashed ten fours and two sixes in his 101 ball innings.

Watson's troops stuttered in reply with the skipper and Huq both falling early.

Durham's Kyle Coetzer, partnered by 71 from Gavin Hamilton, hit a valiant 91 to steady the ship and give the Scots hope of victory with the score at 187 for two in the 39th over.

But three wickets in nine balls from all-rounder Khan and leg-spinner Samiullah Shenwari saw Coetzer, Neil McCallum and Hamilton all removed.

Left-arm seamer Shapoor Zadran then ripped through the lower order picking up three for 36 as the Scots were bowled out for 237 in the 48th over.

Scotland are now two points off the Super Eight top four and need to inflict a heavy defeat on the U.A.E this Friday, while they also need Ireland to beat Kenya and Canada to beat Holland if they are to have any chance of qualifying.