Cup clash hits a storm
Rain disrupts Scots and Afghans
Scotland and Afghanistan shook hands on a draw in the rain- affected ICC Intercontinental Cup match at New Williamfield after a thrilling final day.
Rain ruined the four-day match with the first day wiped out and on day two, it was 2pm before Scotland batted, reaching 228 for eight at close of play.
The third day didn’t start till 2.50pm when Scotland lost their last two wickets quickly, adding only five runs. But the Afghans slumped to 96 for eight at the end of the day’s proceedings.
Competition rules mean the team with a first innings lead earns six points and on Friday, the Scotland squad helped the Stirling groundstaff to move covers in a bid to get the game on.
By 4.20pm, play was possible and for a while it looked like the visitors were going to hold out until Greenock’s Richie Berrington took two wickets in one over to dismiss them for 135 and earn Scotland the best of the draw points.
Stirling County’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd XIs all had matches postponed on Saturday leaving the 4th XI to fly the flag for the club in an East League Division 9 match against Tranent 3rds.
County batted first and thanks to 56 from teenager Robert Miller and 31 from Alasdair Morton, who had prepared for the match by working on the New Williamfield ground during the week, they made 177 all out.
In reply the home side lost early wickets to Saif Khan (four for 18) and despite a valiant 81 from Scott Russell they fell nine runs short on 168.
On Saturday, County are away to St Michaels while the 2nds are at home to St Michaels 2nds, the 3rds face Edinburgh Accies 2nds at Stirling. The 4ths have no fixture.