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Scotland finish their T20 World Cup warm-up with a win versus Namibia

Cricket Scotland @CricketScotland
October 14, 2021 3 years

Scotland completed their warm-up programme ahead of the T20 World Cup with a 19-run victory over Namibia on Thursday in Dubai.

Batting first, the Scots were led by opener George Munsey who made 67 from 41 balls in a knock which included eight fours and three sixes.

Matthew Cross backed up the left hander well with 57 off 33 balls, the Heriot’s man hitting seven fours and two sixes, and Richie Berrington weighed in with a very useful 25 off 21 balls as the side posted 203-7 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Craig Williams hit a well-compiled 80 off 51 balls, but spinner Mark Watt got that key wicket, having him caught by Calum MacLeod, as the Scots managed to hold on for a win after a high scoring contest.

Namibia finished on 183-5 from their 20 overs, Watt taking 2-34, seamer Brad Wheal 2-36 and spinner Michael Leask 1-7 in the triumph.

After the match, half century maker Matthew Cross said:  “This was another great win for the team to back up Tuesday’s victory over the Netherlands and it gives us some momentum going into the tournament.

“I thought George was very good at the top of the order again, he set the tone and allowed me to get myself in and then start playing a few shots before putting on a partnership with Richie after George got out.

“Leasky then hit his first ball for six and the guys kept up the momentum right until the end of the innings.

“With the ball, the guys worked really hard in the heat and stuck to the task and the fielders backed them up against a good Namibian batting line-up.”

Head coach Shane Burger added:  “It was a good all-round performance, we were challenged with bat, ball and in the field and going into the World Cup having had such a tough game on a good wicket was exactly what we needed.

“I am incredibly proud of the way the guys did, momentum is now on our side and it is up to us what we do with that now.

“George batted well and then Crossy gave us a real injection of momentum, especially in the over when he hit two sixes and then the way we finished was impressive, Calum MacLeod showed he can clear the rope and he and Leasky showed great clarity in the way they wanted to end the innings.

“From a bowling point of view, we were tested at times, but I thought the guys held their nerve well against some good batters.

“Safyaan Sharif bowled well and showed why he is one of the best death bowlers around in this format while Brad did a good job too.

“Overall, we are happy as a group with where we are at the moment and we cannot wait to get the World Cup proper underway on Sunday.”

Scotland now travel to Muscat in Oman for their World Cup Group B opener against Bangladesh which takes place on Sunday at 3pm UK time and is a day/night game live on Sky Sports Cricket.

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