Cricket: MacLeod hits ton as Scotland level series

CALUM MacLeod continued a prolific season with the bat, scoring a superb 145 as Scotland levelled their one-day series with the Netherlands with an easy win in Glasgow.

Scotlands Calum MacLeod celebrates his century at Titwood yesterday. The opener went on to make 145. Picture: Donald MacLeod

It was a proud occasion for the MacLeod clan on a day when Calum’s younger brother Niall graduated. And parents Donald and Morag were there to witness both events – but only just.

MacLeod eventually reached three figures around 1:50pm – ten minutes before his parents were due to see Niall pick up his Sports Development degree in Hamilton, 15 miles away.

The player said: “Mum and dad were at the game but they only planned to stay for a wee while before going to see Niall because graduation is a once-in-a -lifetime thing. But, as I got closer to a century, I’m told dad was determined to see me reach the landmark and I think mum was anxious to get away so that they weren’t late.

“I’ve heard they got there in time so I suppose I should be dedicating the ton to my wee brother and apologising to my parents for taking so long.”

Durham batsman MacLeod dominated as the Scots rattled up a mammoth 317 in blustery conditions. He reached three figures from just 99 balls, striking ten boundaries and two sixes, one of which soared straight out of the ground.

But the 24 year-old then stepped up another gear to plunder another 45 runs and doubled his tally of maximums in the process. With just nine balls remaining he was clean bowled by Ahsan Malik who finished with six for 50.

MacLeod had excellent support from Preston Mommsen (45) and Josh Davey (34) and his heroics put the Saltires on course for their revenge win.

The Dutch made a blistering start in their reply with Stefan Myburgh blasting 20 in one over from Safy Sharif. However, debutant Gavin Main removed the big-hitting left-hander with his first delivery in international cricket as the Scots hit back.

Spinner Michael Leask claimed the bowling honours with four for 20 including former Pakistan Test batsman Mo Wasim.

The Dutch were never up with the required rate and had slumped to 115 for seven – 144 runs behind the D/L par – when rain brought an early end.

It gave new coach Grant Bradburn his first win at the helm before the sides meet again tomorrow in the series decider.

MacLeod added: “We knew we had to improve after the way we threw Tuesday’s game away so I’m delighted to have got these runs.

“Grant was pretty forthright about what he wanted us to do and it’s good to respond with a positive performance. Hopefully we can go on and clinch the series now.”