Macleod stars in Scotland’s massive victory

Calum MacLeod's brilliant century was ably supported by Scotland's disciplined bowling as it beat Papua New Guinea by 101 runs in the ICC World Cricket League Championship at the Amini Park in Port Moresby, PNG on Friday (October 6).

Electing to bat first, Scotland lost Matthew Cross, the opener, cheaply in the third over off Chad Soper. In at No. 3, MacLeod then took the charge and blazed his way to 154 runs off 163, studded with 15 fours and three sixes, taking his side to 278 for 9, with useful contributions from Kyle Coetzer (46) and Richie Berrington (54).

While MacLeod struck up a half-century partnership with Coetzer, the third wicket century partnership between Berrington and MacLeod proved fruitful for Scotland.

Norman Vanua finished with figures of 3 for 57, including the prized scalp of MacLeod, while Alei Nao also chipped in with three wickets, his victims being Coetzer, Berrington and Michael Leask.

In reply, PNG lost Vani Morea, the opener in the third over for 2. The hosts failed to build tempo as it kept losing wickets at regular intervals and the procession never ceased. Tony Ura top-scored with 42 off 52 deliveries before being caught by Leask off the bowling of Con de Lange. It lost Leg Siaka (9), the No.3 batsman, and Assad Vala (0), the captain, in the 7th and 8th overs respectively, leaving their side tottering at 30 for 3.

Mahuru Dai (25), Dogodo Bau (29) and Vanua (24) chipped in with some runs to buff their team's total, but nothing seemed to go PNG’s way, as they were bowled out for just 177 runs in 43.3 overs.

Alasdair Evans, Stu Whittingham and Leask shared six wickets between them, while Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif and de Lange chipped in with a wicket apiece.

The teams will play the next 50-over game on Sunday at the same venue.