Dundee, Scotland – A clinical all-round display powered Scotland to a convincing 44-run victory over the Netherlands in the 76th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, played today at the picturesque Forthill Cricket Ground.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Netherlands initially found success, reducing the hosts to 97/6. But Scotland fought back strongly, thanks to a brilliant 81-run knock by Finlay McCreath and a resilient 60 by Mark Watt, to post a competitive total of 262/9 in their 50 overs.
In response, the Netherlands were bundled out for 218 in 45 overs, despite decent starts from the top order. The Scottish bowling unit, led by Brandon McMullen (3/40) and Safyaan Sharif (2/18), choked the Dutch run flow and ensured a comfortable win.
First Innings: McCreath and Watt Rescue Scotland
Scotland’s top-order collapse left them reeling at 97/6, but Finlay McCreath played a mature and composed innings under pressure. His 81 off 106 balls, laced with 7 boundaries and a six, anchored the innings and formed the backbone of the total.
Partnering him was all-rounder Mark Watt, who contributed a crucial 60 off 72 balls. The pair stitched together a valuable seventh-wicket stand of 91 runs, steadying the innings after early setbacks. A quickfire 36 off 18 balls* by Safyaan Sharif gave the innings late impetus, pushing the total past the 260-run mark.
The Dutch bowlers began strongly, with Kyle Klein taking 3 wickets for 81 runs, while spinners Aryan Dutt (2/26) and Roelof van der Merwe (2/37) maintained control in the middle overs. But they couldn’t contain the late charge.
Second Innings: Dutch Fightback Falters
Chasing 263 for victory, the Netherlands had their moments but failed to build meaningful partnerships. Opener Michael Levitt top-scored with 35 off 52 balls, while Noah Croes made a brisk 26 off 24, giving them early momentum.
However, wickets fell at regular intervals, and despite a late effort from *Roelof van der Merwe (30 off 36)**, the visitors were eventually bowled out for 218.
Scotland’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout. Brandon McMullen returned impressive figures of 3/40 in 10 overs, while Mark Watt once again proved valuable with the ball, taking 2/37 in a fine all-round performance. Safyaan Sharif also chipped in with a tidy 2/18 from six overs, keeping the Dutch batters in check.
Match 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
Netherlands: 218 (45 overs)
- Michael Levitt – 35 (52)
- Roelof van der Merwe – 30* (36)
- Noah Croes – 26 (24)
- Brandon McMullen – 3/40
- Safyaan Sharif – 2/18
- Mark Watt – 2/37
Result: Scotland won by 44 runs
Venue: Forthill Cricket Ground, Dundee
Toss: Netherlands won the toss and elected to bowl
This victory strengthens Scotland’s position in the CWC League 2 standings, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive. For the Netherlands, it’s a reality check as they look to bounce back in upcoming matches. With every point crucial in the race to 2027, the pressure is mounting for consistency in both camps.
