Cricket: Scotland battle on two fronts

Tuesday 08 April 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Scotland are on tenterhooks after their ICC Trophy semi-final against Bangladesh was carried over into a second day.

The Scots were set a daunting target of 244 from their 50 overs today after yet another rain-interrupted day's play in Kuala Lumpur.

Alex Ritchie, the general manager of the Scottish Cricket Union, said: "It is a substantial total but it can be done. You expect good scores at this stage of the tournament and although it's a hard target it is achievable."

The Scots need the Malaysian weather to co-operate. Under tournament rules , if the match was abandoned Bangladesh would go through to the final as they won their group.

After the team batting second have faced 20 overs the tie is decided on run-rate, so the Scots would have to score at just under five runs an over throughout the innings to ensure victory should the rain intervene.

Ritchie said: "I don't want to comment on tactics but of course we're going to have to try and score at a rate of 4.90 an over. Hopefully, the game will start on time tomorrow and we should know by early on Wednesday morning. It's becoming a bit of a nonsense in many ways but you can't do anything about the weather."

Should the Scots fail to overcome Bangladesh's total they will play off against Ireland for the third and final World Cup place. Both finalists gain automatic qualification, with Kenya already through to Saturday's ICC showpiece.

Ritchie said that the prospect of having to play their neighbours would encourage the players on to victory.

"We see the Irish so often I'm sure the boys will be looking to play someone else. We play them in a three-day game each year, the Triple Crown and the European Championship so they would much rather play a different team. The chance of playing Kenya and not Ireland will spur them on."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in