Kathmandu, February 20
Scotland defeated Namibia by 43 runs to win their first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League-II since becoming champions here at the TU Stadium today.
Batting first, Scotland were bowled out for 221 runs in 48.4 overs before packing Namibia for 178 with more than 11 overs to spare. While Scotland extended their lead at the top of the seven-team table, Namibia suffered their first-ever four losses in the One Day International tri-series under the League-II.
Scotland had a disastrous start losing opener Kyle Coetzer (naught) in the third ball of the innings and they lost wickets at regular intervals as the batsmen struggled to build solid partnerships. Yet, they were able to post a challenging total riding on a couple of individual scores.
Christopher McBride top scored with 47 off 75 balls that included seven boundaries, while Tomas Mackintosh hit four fours in his 48-ball 34. Skipper Richie Berrington contributed 32 off 55 balls, while Michael Leask (29), Liam Naylor (20), Matthew Cross (16), Chris Greaves (14) and Mark Watt (10) all scored in double figures.
Player-of-the-match Ruben Trumplemann completed five-wicket haul taking 5-30 from 9.4 overs, while Tangeni Lungameni grabbed two and Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo and Pikky Ya France pocketed one wicket each for Namibia.
In reply, Namibia opener Lo-Handre Louwrens scored a half century but failed to revoke his side's loss. Louwrens struck six fours in his 67-ball 52. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus scored a quick fire 43off 38 balls with the help of four boundaries and two sixes, while Zane Green was the other notable contributor with 25 runs. Mark Watt claimed 4-41 for Scotland and he was ably supported by Michael Leask (3-42) and Brandon McMullen (2-39).
Chris Greaves also pocketed a wicket. Nepal will take on Scotland in the last match of the series on Tuesday.
With their 24th win in 35 matches, Scotland accumulated 50 points, while Oman are at the second position with 44 points. Namibia are third on 37 with two matches to play, whereas the United States are fourth on 35. The United Arab Emirates are fifth with 27 points from 26 matches, while Nepal are at the sixth place with 24 points with nine matches to play.
Papua New Guinea are at the bottom of the table with just five points from 28 matches.
A version of this article appears in the print on February 21, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
