McCreath, Cross Anchor Scotland to Victory
Scotland began their T20 tri-series campaign with a solid 39-run win over the Netherlands, thanks to a key sixth-wicket stand between debutant Finlay McCreath and Matthew Cross. After early blows left them at 76 for 5, McCreath (40 off 28) and Cross (33 off 24) steadied the innings with a 57-run partnership, guiding Scotland to a total of 160 for 8.
Offspinners Aryan Dutt (3-19) and Zach Lion-Cachet (2-26) made early inroads for the Netherlands, but the late Scottish surge proved crucial. Despite a strong finish by the Dutch bowlers, taking 3 for 27 in the final overs, Scotland set a competitive total.
Netherlands Struggle to Chase Under Pressure
In response, the Netherlands faltered, collapsing to 93 for 9 by the 15th over. Michael Levitt’s 36 off 30 provided some resistance, but consistent strikes by Scotland’s bowlers — Safyaan Sharif (2-13), Jack Jarvis (2-14), and Mark Watt (2-28) — kept them in check.
A late 28-run partnership between Dutt and Paul van Meekeren added some respectability, but wasn’t enough to threaten the result.
“Our middle-order resilience made the difference today,” said Scotland’s captain, praising McCreath’s debut effort.
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