Scotland urged to bounce back

Captain Mommsen identifies areas that must be improved

Scotland must learn the lessons of their latest defeat in a global tournament when they try to break their duck against Zimbabwe in Nagpur today.

Preston Mommsen’s team have to win their second Group B match to retain any chance of qualification to take on Test- playing nations, including England, in the Super 10 stage of the ICC World Twenty20.

Zimbabwe, however, are a significant force standing in their way and started their campaign with victory over Hong Kong on Tuesday.

That match preceded Scotland’s 14-run defeat by old foes Afghanistan, and as they and Zimbabwe prepare to return to the same venue, captain Mommsen must ensure his men respond effectively.

“That was definitely one that got away,” he said, after Scotland failed to chase down 170 for five, despite an opening stand of 84 in under nine overs between Kyle Coetzer and George Munsey.

“We made a brilliant start to our innings but instead of keeping the foot on the accelerator we lost a flurry of wickets at a crucial stage and it wasn’t to be.

“Even with these setbacks, we should have gone on to win, so the result was a big disappointment.”

Mommsen believes Scotland could have been a little more disciplined with the ball, and cannot afford to lose wickets and momentum to spin in the middle overs.

“If we’d kept them to 10-15 runs less it would have been a fairer reflection of our efforts,” he added.

“We’ve just got to address that middle period when their spinners tied us down.”

The Scotland v Zimbabwe game will be followed by Afghanistan v Hong Kong at the same venue.

Preston Mommsen: looking for a response from his team in today’s match with Zimbabwe.