Scotland race to second victory over Nepal

MATTHEW Cross was in a hurry as Scotland raced to a nine-wicket victory over Nepal at Ayr on Saturday.
Scotland bowler Ally Evans, centre right, celebrates one of his wickets against Nepal at Ayr. Picture: Donald MacLeodScotland bowler Ally Evans, centre right, celebrates one of his wickets against Nepal at Ayr. Picture: Donald MacLeod
Scotland bowler Ally Evans, centre right, celebrates one of his wickets against Nepal at Ayr. Picture: Donald MacLeod

The former Aberdeenshire wicketkeeper/batsman took just 37 deliveries to reach 51 not out as the Scots knocked-off the additional 95 runs needed after the match had been delayed by heavy rain on Friday evening.

Cross had excellent support from George Munsey (40no) as Scotland completed the double over Nepal to go joint top of the World Cricket League Championship table.

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But Cross had little time to savour his and his country’s success before heading south to pursue his dream of landing a county contract.

He said: “It was important to get the points on the board and we’re delighted because, obviously, with the rain around, there was a chance we wouldn’t get the two games completed. But we did and we’ve got the four points we wanted.

“For me, it was nice to get runs but the victory was really set up by the bowlers, who were outstanding on Friday.”

Cross had been in outstanding form all summer, warming to his new No 3 role with a string of hard-hitting performances in the recent World T20 Qualifier.

However, Saturday was his biggest score of the season and the player added: “I’ve been in good form and not made the most of my starts so I’m pretty pleased to get the team over the line with a 50.”

The 22-year-old was released by Notts at the end of last season but has not lost his hunger for plying his trade south of the border. “I don’t know precisely what the future holds – I wish I did – but I’m going straight back down tonight. I have a few people to speak to before finding out where I’ll be playing but, hopefully, counties have been watching my performances in the T20 qualifier.”

Meanwhile, Scotland will not rest on their laurels despite completing the double over Nepal. They were pushed hard in the first match, scraping home by three runs, before producing a much more dominant performance at the weekend.

Skipper Preston Mommsen said: “We’re delighted with the two wins especially since there were a handful of players missing and that shows the strength we are developing.

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“But there are still huge amounts we need to work on, particularly the fielding aspect which was below par in these two games and it also let us down in the T20 Qualifier against the Dutch.”

The Scots will get the chance to avenge their T20 defeat to the Dutch when they head to Amstelveen next month for a World Cricket League top-of-the-table double header.

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