MacLeod nine: Century hands Scots victory over USA
CALUM MacLEOD stroked the ninth ODI century of his career yesterday as Scotland produced a brilliant run-chase to secure victory over USA at Mannofield, Aberdeen.
MacLeod’s scintillating 117 answered Aaron Jones’ 123no for the visitors and put his side on course for the points in their latest World Cup League 2 encounter.
Although MacLeod holed out with 30 runs still needed, Chis Greaves and Michael Leask sealed a five-wicket win with 14 balls to spare.
The Scots also had important contributions from Craig Wallace (45) and Matthew Cross (40) but MacLeod was the match-winner, his 91-ball innings featuring nine boundaries and five maximums.
MacLeod said: “296 was always going to be a challenging total, especially with their two left-arm spinners but I thought we batted quite nicely.
“I was worried I’d picked out a fielder on the rope for the shot that took me to the hundred so I was pleased to see it go over him.
“Although we’re without Riche [Berrington] and George [Munsey] for this series the players who have come in have shown the depth we have.
“It’s great to get another win but we go again tomorrow and have to show more intent than we did in the first hour today.”
Earlier Aaron Jones hammered a superb century as Scotland’s decision to bowl first backfired.
Openers Steven Taylor and Sushant Modani had few problems seeing off the home pacemen, compiling an 80-run stand in 16 overs.
It took the introduction of Mark Watt to make the breakthrough, the left-arm spinner trapping Taylor in front.
Modani went on to make 52 and the Scots continued to take middle order wickets thanks to some good catching, MacLeod taking a blinder to dismiss Ian Holland.
At 200-5 with ten overs remaining, Scotland may have been hoping to restrict their rivals to 260 but instead Jones launched a late assault to reach a maiden ODI ton.
He smashed consecutive maximums off Safyaan Sharif to move into the 90s and reached three figures with the first of three clearances in a row off Neill.
Jones finished unbeaten on 123 from just 87 deliveries having plundered nine boundaries and six maximums as USA closed on 295-8.
Scotland continue their campaign against the UAE today.