McCallum ton lets Scottish bowlers bounce back to topple Namibia

Published on Thursday 2 April 2009 23:35

RYAN Watson believes a much-improved bowling performance was key in helping Scotland bounce back from defeat by Ireland in their opening match of the World Cup qualifying tournament to overcome Namibia yesterday.

The Scots turned in a professional performance at the L C de Villiers Oval here to win by 73 runs. After posting an impressive 267 for six, which was built around Neil McCallum (103) and Kyle Coetzer (68), there were three wickets each for Dewald Nel and Gordon Goudie as the Africans were bowled out for 194, Gerrie Snyman their mainstay with 95 not out.

Speaking afterwards, Scotland captain Watson praised the performance of his players, agreeing it was pleasing to see the way they bounced back after the seven-wicket defeat by the Irish yesterday.

"It was a good professional performance today," he said. "We bounced back pretty well considering we lost the toss again and got put in on another green one. So hopefully the luck with the toss will change.

"Our bowlers did exactly what we talked about. Yesterday we were outclassed and outplayed. But what we did better today was we bowled in better areas regardless of what the wicket was doing. We did our job a little bit better today."

Watson was also buoyed by the display turned in by his batsmen, singling out McCallum, who followed up his unbeaten 121 on the opening day of the competition with another century, for special praise.

"The guy batted beautifully; Mac deserved that victory especially – he's batted brilliantly two days on the trot. So I'm delighted with the win, especially because it was a must-win game today and the pressure was on us."

McCallum, whose innings came from only 93 balls and included seven fours and five sixes, was pleased with his own performance but, like Watson, pointed to the bowling as key.

He added: "I'm quite happy with the way the tournament has started for me personally. But, to be honest, today was more about the team and winning, which we managed to achieve."