Cricket

Scotland defeated Namibia by 43 runs in the ongoing triangular ODI series under the ICC World Cup League 2 at the TU Cricket Ground on Monday. 

It is Scotland’s second win in this series over Namibia, who have lost all four matches. This has provided a chance for Nepal and the UAE to grab a World Cup qualifying berth as a third-placed side. 

After being invited to bat first, Scotland set a 222-run target and bowled out Namibia for 178 runs in 38.4 overs.

Opener Lo-handre Louwrens top scored for Namibia with 52 runs from 67 balls with six fours.

Namibia were on course at one stage on 124-3, with captain Gerard Erasmus playing on 43 with the help of four fours and two sixes. But his departure saw a complete collapse as they lost the remaining six wickets for 54 runs. 

Scotland bowler Mark Watt produced a fine spell of bowling to take four wickets, while Michael Leask claimed three.

Earlier, Namibia bowlers kept Scotland under check to wrap their innings for 221 runs in 48.4 overs.

Christopher McBride scored 47 runs for Scotland, with Tomas McIntosh making 34 runs. Captain Richie Berrington contributed with 32 runs and Leask (29). 

Ruben Trumpelmann troubled the Scotsmen with his pace and returned with five wickets. Tangeni Lungameni gave able support from the other end, claiming two wickets. 

Scotland, who won the ICC World Cup League 2 title following a 10-wicket victory over Namibia in their first meeting in this series, will be awarded the winners’ trophy on Tuesday. The Scots have finished with 50 points from 36 games in the league. Oman, who are currently on 44 points, have secured second place.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will give the trophy to the Scots at a presentation after their match against Nepal, the Cricket Association of Nepal confirmed.