SCOTS FINISH THIRD AT HONG KONG SIXES

Scotland Men finished third at the Hong Kong Sixes on Sunday after some high quality performances against top-ranked teams.

 

After topping a group featuring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Scots were eyeing a historic triumph, but were defeated by eventual winners Afghanistan in the semi-finals. However in the third-placed playoff on Sunday Scotland bounced back in style to beat UAE by 45 runs and ensure a highly credible appearance in the six-a-side competition.

 

Batting first against UAE, Scotland made 135-1, with Michael Leask making an unbeaten 53, captain Fin McCreath 30 and Jack Jarvis 38 not out. UAE were never in the hunt as the Scots bowlers restricted them to 90-3 from their six overs.

 

In the semi-final on Saturday afternoon, Afghanistan made 121-4 in their six overs, with captain Gulbadin Naib unbeaten on 51. Jasper Davidson (1-18) starred with the ball, but the Scots struggled to contain their opponents.

 

Scotland were always behind the required run-rate and finished on 100-3, Jarvis top-scoring with 51 from just 17 deliveries. Afghanistan went on to beat Australia in the final.

 

Earlier on Saturday, Scotland recorded an impressive victory against Sri Lanka. Leask hammered an unbeaten 70 from just 15 balls, including 10 sixes, as Scotland piled up 144-4, before restricting Sri Lanka to 118-3, with Davidson picking up 3-23. 

 

That win ensured Scotland topped their group following Friday's win over Bangladesh, after they successfully chased a target of 94 off the final ball of the innings. McCreath top scored with 53 not out while Leask (3-34) and Davidson (2-6) were the pick of the bowlers. 

 

The seven-man Scotland squad that also included Safyaan Sharif, Lyle Robertson and Mackenzie Jones was competing at the Hong Kong Sixes for the first time.