Dundee, Scotland — In a gripping ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 encounter at Forthill Cricket Ground, Scotland put up a fighting total of 262/9 in 50 overs after being invited to bat first by the Netherlands. The innings was anchored by an impressive 81 from Finlay McCreath and a crucial 60-run knock by Mark Watt, helping the hosts recover from a precarious start.
The Dutch, having won the toss and electing to bowl, struck early and often. Scotland found themselves reeling at 97 for 6 before a spirited middle and lower-order fightback helped them reach a competitive total.
Early Trouble for Scotland
Scotland’s innings began with high hopes but was quickly dented by disciplined Dutch bowling. Opener Charlie Tear (7 off 10) was the first to fall, clean bowled by Paul van Meekeren, followed by Brandon McMullen (9) who offered a return catch to Kyle Klein. Star batter George Munsey looked promising with 26 off 29 but fell to Klein as well, leaving Scotland at 43/3 within 10 overs.
Captain Richie Berrington tried to steady the ship but managed only 15 before being dismissed by Aryan Dutt, who also accounted for Matthew Cross (8), intensifying the collapse.
McCreath and Watt Lead the Revival
When all seemed lost, Finlay McCreath took control with a patient and determined knock. He consumed 106 balls for his 81, smashing 7 fours and a six. His partnership with Mark Watt, who scored a fluent 60 off 72 balls with five boundaries and two sixes, was the turning point of the innings. The duo added a crucial 91 runs for the seventh wicket, resurrecting the Scottish innings from a worrying position of 97/6.
Late fireworks came from Safyaan Sharif, who hammered an unbeaten 36 off just 18 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes, ensuring Scotland pushed past the 260-mark before the innings closed.
Dutch Bowlers Start Strong, Lose Grip Late
For the Netherlands, Kyle Klein was the standout bowler with 3 wickets for 81 runs. Despite being a bit expensive, his breakthroughs were vital early on. Aryan Dutt was the most economical, finishing with 2 for 26 in 10 overs, stifling the batters with tight lines. Veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe also chipped in with 2 wickets for 37, while Zach Lion-Cachet took one scalp.
However, the Dutch bowlers failed to maintain pressure in the death overs, as Sharif’s late surge lifted the total well beyond 250.
Score Summary:
Scotland: 262/9 (50 overs)
- Finlay McCreath: 81 (106)
- Mark Watt: 60 (72)
- Safyaan Sharif: 36* (18)
- Kyle Klein: 3/81
- Aryan Dutt: 2/26
- Roelof van der Merwe: 2/37
Fall of Wickets: 17/1, 36/2, 43/3, 72/4, 88/5, 97/6, 188/7, 205/8, 260/9
What’s Next?
The Netherlands now face a stiff target of 263 to win, but on a pitch that’s offering assistance to spinners and some variable bounce, the chase won’t be easy. With plenty of experience and explosive talent in their batting order, all eyes will be on how they handle Scotland’s bowling attack — especially with Watt and Sharif in form.
This match not only carries valuable points for ICC CWC League 2 standings but also impacts qualification momentum toward the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Stay tuned for the second innings and a potentially thrilling finish.
