Frylinck ton puts Scotland on back foot in Ayr clash

Scotland’s bid to kickstart their Intercontinental Cup campaign was yesterday dashed by Namibian batting star Jan Frylinck. The stylish left-hander thumped a superb 158 at Ayr to leave the hosts with an uphill battle to force a muchneeded victory.

In the wake of Tuesday’s washout, the fit-again Safyaan Sharif had produced a lethal three-wicket burst to put the Scots on top. But 23-year-old Frylinck propelled the Africans to an impressive 403 for seven with two days left at New Cambusdoon.

An opening stand of 87 between Stephan Baard and Louis van der Westhuizen provided a strong platform. But, when Sharif got rid of Van der Westhuizen for 45, the complexion of the contest threatened to change radically.

The Glenrothes seamer followed up by removing Gerhard Erasmus and Craig Williams for first-ball ducks.

However, their quickfire departure only left the stage clear for Frylinck to not only steady the Namibian ship, but snatch the spotlight away from Sharif. He reached his century off 139 deliveries, featuring a six and 14 fours.

Calum Macleod held a remarkable slip catch off Richie Berrington to dismiss Baard for 88 with the tally on 199 but 0 Jan Frylinck scored a stylish 158 against the Scots in Ayr. Frylinck dominated the second half of the day.

Spinner Mark Watt eventually made the breakthrough, prompting Frylinck to chip back into his hands. His vigil had lasted 179 balls, the partnership with Christi Viljoen adding 151.

Namibia skipper Sarel Burger immediately fell victim to Ali Evans for nought but Viljoen progressed to 77 before he fell to Berrington.

Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer insisted his side only have themselves to blame.

He said: “The situation could have been so different but you make it hard when you drop six or seven chances. The bowlers grafted well and at least we did create these opportunities.

“We can’t afford to think about what the weather might do in the remaining days of the contest. We have to deal with where we are and make sure we get as much out of the game as possible.”