CRICKET: Scotland, Ireland's nemesis for 119 years on the cricket field, broke hearts again in Gymkhana yesterday, snatching victory off the final ball of the game to complete a thrilling and enthralling game.
After two one-sided contests in the tournament so far, the inaugural ICC World Cricket League Division 1 came alive at this famous ground as two of the oldest rivals in world cricket gave every ounce for the cause.
It was the 100th time these two teams have met on the cricket field - it now stands 25 wins for Ireland, 37 for Scotland, with 38 draws - and there must have been few out of those that could match this one for excitement, skill and commitment to the cause.
There was controversy too. Before he reached his magnificent century, Neil McCallum was apparently caught on the boundary by William Porterfield and when umpires Darrell Hair and Roger Dill asked Porterfield if he had crossed the rope during his spectacular diving grab, the Rush opening batsman said no.
But the umpires had a different impression and decided some part of his body touched the boundary and duly awarded six vital runs to McCallum and Scotland. At that stage it was getting tight and, needing nine an over, the pressure would really have been on a new batsmen. Eventually McCallum was dismissed for a 92-ball 100 in the 47th over when much of the work had been done.
Scotland captain Craig Wright then joined Colin Smith in the chase and the duo found themselves facing a target of 15 off the final over. With Wright scoring a single, then Smith a six and a single, that was reduced to seven needed off the last three balls and Wright then smashed a six over long-on to level the scores.
With the Irish fielders crowded round, Kevin O'Brien then bowled a dot ball and it was all down to the final delivery which Wright hit for four straight down the ground to give the fist-pumping Scots the win.
It was a bitter defeat for Ireland and one they scarcely deserved as, for the most part, they batted, bowled and, particularly, fielded very well.
Earlier, Jeremy Bray was the glue that held the Ireland innings together. He made 116 off 136 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes along the way and was aided at the top of the innings by Eoin Morgan (41). They faltered in the middle over, though, losing quick wickets and dropping the run rate.
But the strength of this Ireland team in recent years has been how far they bat down the order. Coming in at eight, captain Trent Johnston bludgeoned 45 runs off just 19 balls, an unbeaten knock that featured one four and four sixes, including one off the last ball of the innings, to give his team a formidable score of 280 for 7.
Ireland's bowlers did well and pegged the Scots right back. Kyle McCallan (2-41) and Andre Botha (3-46) were the pick of the attack and on any other occasion, the lines of bowling and terrific fielding would have been enough to see them home. Sometimes, however, it's just not your day.
This win puts Scotland joint top of the ICC World Cricket League Division 1 with the Netherlands, who beat Canada by eight wickets yesterday, and Kenya who had a 10-wicket victory over Bermuda on Monday.
Today, Ireland play Bermuda at Jaffery Sports Club while Scotland take on Canada at Ruaraka.
