Trying to get into top shape every qualified cricket team is on a practice run before the upcoming T20I World Cup. New Zealand, on a similar path, is playing a two-match T20I series against Scotland. The first game of which was won by the visiting team (NZ) by a massive 68 runs.
With the series on the line, the two teams clashed again in the second match on 29th July. The game, however, proved to be an even bigger loss for the Scottish team as they lost by a massive 102 runs.
Batting first, the Kiwis got off to a poor start by losing their first wicket at just 25 runs. Opener Finn Allen, having started with a maximum, could not contribute more and departed at just six runs in the third over. It was the other opener Dane Cleaver (28) and Mark Chapman (83) who got hold of the game and punished the Scotland bowlers. The southpaw Chapman, in particular, impressed all with his sensational 83 off of just 44 deliveries. En route to his Player of the Match performance, the 28-year-old hit five boundaries and seven maximums to take the Kiwi team to a massive total.
Middle-order batter Daryle Mitchell also made a healthy contribution of 31. It was, however, Michael Bracewell (61) and James Neesam (28), who ended Kiwi batting with a flurry, taking the black caps to their highest T20I score of 254/5 in 20 overs. Each of Scotland’s bowlers, apart from Chris Greaves, had an economy of over 11.
Coming on to chase this huge target proved very difficult to Scotland as they could only muster 152/9 in 20 overs. Chris Greaves proved to be their best player coming up with 37 runs and having taken a wicket as well. Kiwi bowling contingent comprised of seven bowlers who took nine wickets between them.
Neesham and Michale Rippon took two wickets each. Having won the T20I series, New Zealand will lock horns with Scotland in the first and only ODI on 31st July in Edinburgh.
