Intercontinental clash with Namibia hangs in balance

One of the repeated criticisms of cricket’s Intercontinental Cup – its less than catchy name apart – is that too many of the encounters, over four days, between the Associate nations have failed to run the full distance. Scotland’s visit to Namibia might disprove the theory with the outcome of the contest in Windhoek far from settled at the end of its second day, each team still retaining the potential to tactically turn the screw or to implode before the scheduled finish.

Resuming overnight on 268 for 7, the Saltires edged onward to complete their first innings on 350 all out as the tail wagged merrily. In response, the Namibians built on a half-century from their captain, Craig Williams, to end day two 120 runs behind their guests with four wickets still in hand. They could yet seize the impetus this morning but they will have to work to close the gap.

“It’s really important we don’t allow them to push on too much more,” admitted Scotland coach Pete Steindl. “We need to be disciplined and stick to our plans as much as possible.”

Gordon Drummond, whose side will conclude its 2011 campaign with two one-day internationals here on Wednesday and Thursday, used the platform of Ryan Flannigan’s opening-day ton wisely with a vigorous contribution by the tail.

Drummond reached 16 before he was bowled by Christi Viljoen but Simon Smith calmly maintained his push, justifying once more the selectors decision to retain his services in the longer form of the game. The wicket-keeper laid anchor and proved unmoveable, reaching 35 not out off 73 balls which did so much to secure his team’s eventual advantage.

In the interim, Safyaan Sharif – making his debut in the competition – and Gordon Goudie, now an old hand, rode their luck, seized opportunities and reaped the rewards. Sharif pounced for 11 until he became Viljoen’s fourth victim but Goudie produced one of his most admirable cameos. He hit seven boundaries, helping himself to 31 runs before being trapped lbw by Gerrie Snyman.

The gauntlet laid down, the hosts had little leeway for errors in reply and their leading batsmen rose to the challenge. Although Goudie tempted Viljoen to edge to Smith early on, subsequent partnerships proved meatier. Pikky Ya France, Namibia’s new prospect, reached 38 before a slow ball from Drummond halted his efforts.

Sarel Burger progressed to 47 but was thwarted in his bid for a half-century when Richie Berrington grabbed an alert catch. On 131-3, the Namibians kept advancing however, Williams snaring nine boundaries and frustrating Scotland’s bowlers.

“We really needed to bounce back in the last session,” Steindl conceded. “But I thought we fought back really well.” Majid Haq – who would end the day with 3 wickets for 20 – turned celebration into calamity after the home captain had reached 51. The spinner then took out Snyman, who made 44 but found the hands of Preston Mommsen.

With three overs left of play, Haq punished Raymond van Schoor for his caution as Namibia’s wicket-keeper, having ground out 12 runs from 76 balls, edged to Smith. Nicholaas Scholtz (2) and Louis van der Westhuizen (12) remained unbeaten.

Day 2 of 4 (Windhoek). Namibia (230-6, 74.0 overs) trail Scotland (350, 115.4 overs) by 120 runs in 1st innings.