MUSCAT (Oman): Chris Greaves inspired Scotland to a shock six-run victory over Bangladesh in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.
In just his second T20 international, the all-rounder hit 45 off 28 deliveries to salvage Scotland’s innings before taking two crucial wickets as Bangladesh ran out of time in reply.
Bangladesh might have been favourites to emerge from Group B into the Super 12s, instead it is Scotland who are off to a flyer in a game that looked to be running away from them midway through the first innings.
Skipper Kyle Coetzer had fallen to Mohammad Saifuddin for a seven-ball duck but Matthew Cross and George Munsey, in particular, rebuilt.
It took the introduction of spin to change things, as Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan took five wickets for eight runs with Mahedi removing the two set batters in one over, just as Munsey looking to be cutting loose with 29 off 23.
Shakib’s double allowed him to overhaul Lasith Malinga as the most prolific wicket-taker in the history of T20Is with 108.
With Scotland reduced to 53 for six, Bangladesh looked to be in total control, but then Greaves came to the party. In his first T20I innings, the all-rounder combined with Mark Watt to put on 51 and get things back on track for the Scots. The reverse sweep was Greaves’ go-to weapon, hitting Afif Hossain for four before lifting Mahedi for six the following over. (Source: ICC)
Brief Scores:
Scotland 140/9, in 20 overs (Chris Greaves 45, George Munsey 29; Mahedi Hasan 3/19, Shakib Al Hasan 2/17)
Bangladesh 134/7 in 20 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 38, Mahmudullah 23; Brad Wheal 3-24, Chris Greaves 2/19)
Player of the Match: Chris Greaves (Scotland)
Scotland beat Bangladesh, at Oman Cricket Academy Ground, Al Amerat by six runs
