SCOTS OVERWHELM PAPUA NEW GUINEA IN QUAD CUP

Darcey Carter made a sparkling half century as Scotland earned a comprehensive 55 run win over Papua New Guinea on the opening day of the Quad Cup in Thailand.

 

Batting first in Bangkok, Carter blasted an unbeaten 71 from 59 deliveries opening the batting, as Scotland made 146-4 in 20 overs, with captain Sarah Bryce (23) and Priyanaz Chatterji (21 not out) also contributing.

 

 

In reply, Papua New Guinea were never in the hunt, struggling to 91-8 in their 20 overs. Niamh Robertson-Jack grabbed 3-17 on her long-awaited return to international cricket after injury, while Olivia Bell picked up 2-16 as the Scots began their tour in confident mood.

 

 

Niamh, who was playing her first match for Scotland after eighteen months out with a knee injury, said:

 

"It was so good to be back out on the pitch with my friends after such a long time out. It's been fun here so far, despite us having to adjust to the conditions and the heat, and I thought we handled it well today.

 

"It was great to grab three wickets, and the best part of the day for me was at the end when I got some hugs from the girls, saying "welcome back" - it's so nice to know I have the backing of my teammates.

 

"We're pleased to get the first win on the board, and it's just a privilege to be involved with this squad, hopefully we can continue this good start tomorrow."

 

Darcey Carter was named Player of the Match, and said:

 

"It was great to hit the ground running with such a good performance, especially after only arriving here on Wednesday. I was pleased to get runs early on, it's always special for me to have the Scotland shirt on.

 

"To put on a decent score for us to defend and then go out and produce a clinical bowling performance was so good. These games are great for us as we prepare for the Emerging Nations Trophy, as we can get used to the heat and get some really strong practice in, so hopefully we'll take some confidence moving forward."

 

Scotland's next game is against hosts Thailand on Saturday, with a start time of 0630 (UK). The match will be streamed live on the Thailand Cricket Facebook page.