FINLAY MCCREATH TON LEADS SCOTLAND XI TO VICTORY

A Finlay McCreath century guided a Scotland XI to a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Men 'A' to open the three-match series.

 

McCreath's 110-ball 100 was the backbone of Scotland's pursuit of 241, with Chris McBride (34), George Munsey (23) and Mark Watt (21*) also making important contributions with the bat.

 

Earlier, Scotland's bowlers fought back to restrict Zimbabwe 'A' to 240, after openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano (72) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (37) had got their side off to a flyer, putting on 89 for the opening wicket in 16 overs.

 

 

Michael Leask (3-33) and Charlie Cassell (3-34) were central to restricting the hosts, as Zimbabwe slid from 135-1 to 240 all out, a total which Scotland chased down inside 44 overs.

 

Finlay McCreath said: "It was a brilliant start to the series getting the win, and of course it's nice to contribute with the bat.

 

"The game was really set up with the second half of our bowling innings, we bowled and fielded very well, and did well to restrict them to 240 on a good wicket, and after the started well.

 

 

"George (Munsey) and Chris (McBride) got us off to a great start up top, which gave us the time in the middle overs to build the innings, rotate the strike well and develop some important partnerships which ultimately got us over the line."

 

Scotland will be back in action on Saturday, when they take on Zimbabwe 'A' in the second match of the 50-over series.