Scotland tamed the Tasmania Tigers to complete an impressive first win of their tour Down Under.
Having been trounced by the same opponents three days earlier, Preston Mommsen's side produced a remarkable turnaround to triumph by 10 runs in Hobart.
Another tough day had looked on the cards when the Scots lost Kyle Coetzer and Calum MacLeod with just 20 on the board, but Mommsen (25) and Richie Berrington (30) helped Hamish Gardiner carry the total into three figures. Gardiner looked set for a deserved half-century but, having faced 81 deliveries and stroked four boundaries, he was run out for 46.
At 110 for four, the middle order had a platform to increase the scoring rate and Matty Cross took full advantage with an array of blistering shots. The Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper/batsman hammered seven fours and three sixes in a brilliant unbeaten 64 from just 50 balls. He had sound support from Leicestershire's Rob Taylor, who hit a rapid 26 to propel Scotland's total to 244 for eight.
Taylor then made an early breakthrough and Iain Wardlaw claimed the key wicket of former Saltires batsman Ed Cowan. Ali Evans put the Tigers firmly on the back foot with two quick wickets but Scotland's victory charge was stalled by Jordan Silk and Sean Willis, who added 105 for the fifth wicket.
The pair looked capable of carrying the Tigers to a second win until Willis was run out by Mommsen for 38. Silk made 79 before being caught by MacLeod off Josh Davey. Tasmania went into the final over needing 13 for victory and, in a thrilling finale, Michael Leask claimed the final two wickets to finish with three for 50. Evans also shone with three for 35.
Leask said: "The game was still in the balance going into that last over but I had a chat with Preston and we agreed to keep it simple. I wanted to make the batsmen hit long-off and long-on and luckily it worked out for us. It's great for the lads to get a win under our belts."
The Scots fly to Queensland tomorrow before taking on the Academy of Sport on Thursday before embarking on four games in New Zealand.
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