THE Saltires yesterday took an unassailable 3-0 lead in their T20 series against Namibia in Windhoek.
Following a record-breaking batting display on Saturday, the Scots showed their bowling and fielding prowess in a low-scoring encounter at the Wanderers.
After electing to bat, Gordon Drummond’s men made a modest 156-9 with Preston Mommsen top-scoring on 39.
The innings had again been given a good start by the new opening pairing of Richie Berrington and Calum MacLeod who put on 43 in five overs.However, when MacLeod departed for a 19-ball 30, the innings lost momentum as Namibia seamer Christi Viljoen claimed 5-23.
The Africans raced out of the blocks to reach 30 after just three overs with Loius van der Westhuizen going on to hit four boundaries and two 6s in his 39. However, seven Saltires bowlers each took a wicket in a spirited fight-back while Berrington also effected a fine run out.
Pete Steindl, the coach, said: “Batting was a lot tougher today on a wicket that was wearing and taking a bit of spin but we were still about 20 runs short of what we had targeted. That meant the bowlers had to deliver and they did that. They were a lot smarter with their variations and it is pleasing that everyone contributed.”
In Saturday’s double-header, the Saltires twice scored their highest totals in T20 internationals. They first produced their best run-chase to overhaul Namibia’s 187-3 with an over to spare.
Then they recorded 230-5 – the third highest total in international T20 history – to win the second match by 40 runs.
Jan Stander’s 56-ball 116 not out was the second-highest individual score in T20s though neither record will stand as the matches have unofficial status.
Steindl added: “It’s a shame these performances won’t go down in the record books but that’s the way it goes. Jan played a phenomenal innings. He played to his strengths and was fearless in attack.”
The Scots have a day off today before completing the five-match series tomorrow and Wednesday.
Scores (International T20 Series Namibia v Scotland, in Windhoek)
Game 1 (Saturday) Namibia 187-3 (G Snyman 92no, L van der Westhuizen 52) Scotland 188-4 (F Watts 52no, J Stander 47)
Scotland won by six wickets.
Game 2 (Saturday) Scotland 230-5 (J Stander 116no, C MacLeod 62; van der Westhuizen 2-31) Namibia 190-7 (G Snyman 90, S Burger 39; S Sharif 3-29, G Drummond 3-32)
Scotland won by 40 runs.
Game 3 (Sunday) Scotland 156-9 (P Mommsen 39, C MacLeod 30; C Viljoen 5-23) Namibia 130-8 (L van der Westhuizen 39, G Snyman 30)
Scotland won by 26 runs
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