Cross leads Scotland to opening victory

Matthew Cross smashed his highest T20 international score as Scotland cruised to victory over Ireland in Bready last night.

Chasing 147 to claim first blood in the three-match series, the Scots suffered an early setback when George Munsey departed for 12.

However, Cross strode to the crease to unleash a blistering array of shots that quickly put the issue beyond doubt.

He launched one enormous six over the ropes and raced to 60 from only 33 deliveries while Kyle Coetzer played second fiddle at the other end.

The former Aberdeenshire star also stroked 10 boundaries in his match-winning innings only to be the first of Tyrone Kane’s three victims in one over as Scotland suffered a sudden wobble.

Kane had Cross caught in the deep, Michael Leask was bowled first ball and Coetzer followed two deliveries later, losing his offstump to the debutant for 19.

The Scots demonstrated the depth of their batting, though, as Richie Berrington and Craig Wallace came together in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 52 in just five overs to seal victory.

Forfarshire’s Wallace was unbeaten on 26 as he hit the winning runs with his fourth boundary.

Scotland skipper Preston Mommsen had used just five bowlers as wickets fell at regular intervals with Michael Leask the pick claiming two for 23.

The home side added 42 runs in the final four overs without losing any wickets to hoist their tally to 146 for five.

The sides meet again today with a third match on Sunday.