Scotland start T20 preparation with a win

The Scotland squad, supported by PROBIZ, are currently undertaking a training camp in the capital, Colombo. Today they started the tour with a win over Sri Lanka A.

Scotland made a swift transition from four day cricket to T20 as they secured a victory over Sri Lanka A in Colombo earlier today. This was their first preparation match on the road to next month’s ICC World T20 Qualifying tournament, as they recorded a six wicket win.

The Scotland squad, supported by PROBIZ, are currently undertaking a training camp in the country's capital, Colombo.

Today's fixture was the first in a series of T20 and one day matches for Gordon Drummond's side as they look ahead to the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the UAE throughout March.

Sri Lanka batted first on a wicket that looked pretty green and set the Scot’s the target of 157-7 from their allotted 20 overs. Preston Mommsen and Safyaan Sharif contributed with three important wickets each. Mommsen’s spell only conceded 23 runs from 4 overs.

In reply, Calum MacLeod showed some of the power-hitting that he is becoming renowned for- his sparkling 65 off 38 balls helped the Scot’s reach the Sri Lanka A target with 10 balls still remaining and start the tour off in impressive style.

After the match coach Pete Steindl said “it was a good first hit out for the lads in the T20 format. We adapted to the quicker and more attacking natures of the game well and the guys stood up to their roles well. It was a challenging environment and tough opposition, so it was a pleasing start to our campaign”.

Although the match had no official ICC status, it is a significant victory for the young Scottish side and should prove to be invaluable experience for the matches ahead.
 

Scotland will be in action again tomorrow against one of Sri Lanka's Premier League teams, again in the capital Colombo.