Cross leads way as Scots win World Cup warm-up

A brilliant century from Matthew Cross led Scotland to a seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in Bulawayo yesterday.

The Scots, warming up for the opening clash of their World Cup qualifying campaign on Sunday, gave themselves a timely boost with a commanding all-round performance.

Chasing 197 for victory, the Scots made a blistering start as Kyle Coetzer and opening partner Cross went on the offensive.

Skipper Coetzer led the way with a series of muscular shots on his way to a rapid 46. Having hit six fours and two maximums from only 23 balls, Coetzer looked set for another halfcentury until miscuing straight to mid-on.

Cross, though, took up the attack, flicking one delivery nonchalantly over the rope at deep midwicket.

The Scots suffered a double blow when Assad Vala claimed the wickets of Calum Macleod and Richie Berrington in quick succession. However, an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 94 between Craig Wallace and the imperious Cross propelled Scotland to victory with 80 balls to spare.

Cross reached both the fifty and century landmarks by striking the ball out of the ground as he raced to 101no with four boundaries and five maximums while Wallace lent support with 32no.

Earlier Scotland’s spinners had seized the initiative as the PNG batsmen were forced onto the back foot. Mark Watt made the breakthrough in the eighth over when he had Vani Morea caught in the covers by Stuart Whittingham.

Heriot’s left-armer Watt claimed two more to finish with three for 22 before Tom Sole matched his spin partner with three strikes in quick succession as PNG reeled on 169 for eight. Safyaan Sharif also picked up two wickets while there was one apiece for Berrington and Brad Wheal, ensuring PNG failed to reach 200.

Scotland’s final warm-up match is against Ireland tomorrow before facing Afghanistan on Sunday.