SCOTS START ZIMBABWE TOUR IN STYLE

Scotland Men recorded two comfortable T20 victories over the Zimbabwe Academy on Saturday in the squad's first competitive action of 2025.

 

A seven wicket victory in the morning was followed by a 67 run win later in the afternoon, as the Scots hit their stride immediately at the Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, with plenty of players taking opportunities to shine with bat and ball.

 

In the opening game, after a delayed start due to overnight rain, Scotland's bowlers restricted their opponents to 105-6 from 19 overs. Olly Davidson (4-11) was the pick of the attack, whilst there were also wickets for Brandon McMullen, Chris Greaves and Charlie Cassell.

 

 

In reply, Scotland cruised to their target with four overs to spare, with captain Matthew Cross (32 not out), Mark Watt (26), McMullen (27) and Finlay McCreath (19) all in the runs.

 

The second fixture saw Scotland bat first, with openers Cross (77) and Watt (55) continuing to impress as they both notched rapid half centuries, putting on a first wicket stand of 129 inside 14 overs. McCreath (30) and Owen Gould (18) both chipped in with quick-fire runs to elevate Scotland to 190-5 in 20 overs.

 

The Scotland bowlers then set to work, with Watt (2-21) and Chris Greaves (2-17) leading the pack as they restricted the Academy to 127-9, which included three run outs towards the end of the innings.

 

 

Captain Matthew Cross said:

 

"It's been a great start to the tour today. The wicket was a bit slow and tacky this morning, but it got better through the day and I think we saw that with the scoring much higher in the second game. It's been a good day for all our players.

 

"It's really important for everyone to take their opportunities and get time in the middle or overs with the ball, as we prepare for what will be a busy phase of cricket for us in the next few months. I think that was really the focus of today, so it's been a good team performance all round."

 

Scotland will be back in action on Tuesday, again against the Zimbabwe Academy, this time in a 50 over contest.