GREAT SCOTS
Coetzer so proud after first ODI win against Test nation
Captain Kyle Coetzer last night spoke of his pride after leading Scotland to victory against Zimbabwe in Edinburgh — their first ever one-day international win over a test nation.
Coetzer’s stunning century paved the way for the 26-run success against Zimbabwe at Raeburn place.
‘things got a bit tense in the closing stages, but i backed the guys fully,’ said Coetzer. ‘i had total confidence in them and now i am over the moon — not just for the team, but for everyone in the Cricket Scotland set-up.’
now Coetzer and Co will bid to complete a remarkable double when the sides clash again in the capital tomorrow.
the captain’s heroics — backed up by sparkling half-tons by Craig Wallace and Michael Leask — propelled the Scots to 317 for six in their 50 overs.
they then excelled in the field with a five-wicket haul for Con de Lange and two remarkable runouts to keep the visitors at bay.
Zimbabwe were all out for 272 as they chased a rain-reduced target of 299 off 43.
‘it is an absolutely huge result for the sport north of the border, especially coming so soon after we beat Sri Lanka in an unofficial ODi in London,’ added Coetzer. ‘to beat two test countries in the space of a month is fantastic. We knew at the start of the season that this stage of the summer would be our focal point.’
l inDia surged into a second successive Champions trophy final in emphatic fashion to set up a final showdown with fierce rivals pakistan on Sunday.
Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 123 and Virat Kohli’s 96 not out in an unbroken 178-run stand ensured Bangladesh’s 264 for seven was never likely to trouble the defending champions, who cruised to a nine-wicket victory with 59 balls to spare.