Scotland suffered anguish last night as they fell agonisingly short of one of the best results in their history.
They had looked on course to topple New Zealand courtesy of a spirited run-chase at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval but needed two runs from the final delivery and fell short when Ali Evans was run out going for the single that would have earned a tie. Seeking an historic first win against one of the top-ranked nations in the world, they had been set 263 and, led by Matt Machan with 83 and further half-centuries for Hamish Gardiner and Freddie Coleman, they were always in contention.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, the coach Grant Bradburn was thrilled with his side's performance. "Our team now know they have the skills and capabilities to put themselves in winning positions against top opposition," he said.
"Our performance today will give us massive confidence going into the World Cup knowing that on our day we have the ability to beat sides like New Zealand. The opposition needed luck and pieces of brilliance in the field to get over the line."
Preston Mommsen had won the toss for Scotland, put New Zealand in to bat and had his decision vindicated when Iain Wardlaw and Rob Taylor each took an early wicket.
Tom Latham, the former Saltires batsman, and the Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum led the recovery with a stand of 62, the latter going on to hit three 6s in a quick-fire 52 from just 44 deliveries. Corey Anderson also hit a half-century for the hosts while Scotland's bowlers took wickets at regular intervals. Richie Berrington took the honours with three for 66 but Wardlaw, Evans and Majid Haq played their part with two apiece, Haq having removed the dangerous McCullum.
Scotland's started in disastrous fashion, slumping to 41 for three, as both Kyle Coetzer and Preston Mommsen fell for ducks. However, Gardiner and Machan produced the best partnership of the match in adding 110 for the fourth wicket.
Carlton's Gardiner scored his second half-century of Scotland's tour Down Under (54 from 86 deliveries) while Machan produced the fireworks. The Sussex left-hander hit 83 with eight 4s and a 6 before falling to the pace of Mitchell McClenaghan.
Coleman upped the chase but, when the Warwickshire batsman became Anderson's fourth victim for a well-compiled 56, the last pair still needed 21 from the final three overs. Haq (10 not out) and Evans (9) got their side within touching distance, only for McClenaghan to hold his nerve in that dramatic final over.
Bradburn said: "While all the batsmen are disappointed not to have finished the job, they can take great confidence from the way they handled a top quality attack."
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