A Scotland XI kicked-off their tour of Brisbane with a 19-run win against Auckland at the Bill Pippin Oval on the Gold Coast.
It posed a good opportunity for the Scots to get their eye in ahead their Intercontinental Cup and World Cricket League matches in Papua New Guinea against an Auckland side preparing for their domestic season.
Scotland XI were asked to bat first as Richie Berrington and Calum MacLeod amassed the runs in a third wicket partnership worth 141, after captain Kyle Coetzer (9) and Matthew Cross (14) had departed the scene.
On a great wicket for batting, MacLeod struck 9 fours from 81 deliveries in his 74, while Berrington also looked assured as he passed 50.
Berrington then went seamlessly through the gears, smashing 13 fours and 2 sixes in a sparkling innings worth 145 from 131 deliveries – putting on 89 with George Munsey (33) – before finally being dismissed by McEwan, with the score on 260/4.
Michael Leask and Con de Lange batted for the final few overs to get the Scots up to 311/5 from their 50 overs.
Scotland played @aucklandcricket overnight and secured a 19 run win, as @Berrington44 hit 148, MacLeod 74, Sole 3/42 👏 pic.twitter.com/zdfwcFstSr
— Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) September 24, 2017
In reply, Safyaan Sharif got Scotland off to a perfect start as he clean bowled Guptil-Bunce from the first ball of the innings. Things got even better for Sharif as he collected the scalp of O’Donnell, edging behind to Matthew Cross for 0.
Glen Philips led the fight-back, stroking 106 from 107 balls, while Matt Horne (78) and Michael Barry (43) added handy contributions taking the touring Auckland side closer to the score.
Chris Sole, who has recently signed a new deal with Hampshire, was the pick of the bowlers with 3/42 while the experienced de Lange returned with 2/46 to help restrict Auckland to 292 – 19 runs short of the target.
Scotland will now have another run out on Tuesday against the same opposition before heading to Port Moresby.
