Story Scotland play Natwest ICC Knockout Trophy

[barmyarmy]

He then did his team another massive service by running out the slow-scoring English. Watson had taken a quick single to cover point but English was just short of his ground according to the third umpire:

He had scored just 23 off 64 balls!

Colin Smith offered quicker-scoring support but with just 10 overs to go, Scotland were still behind the Indian runrate albeit with more wickets in hand:

As he had done against the Australians Watson ensured there would be no late wobble. This array of boundaries bringing the target closer and closer:

 

[barmyarmy]

When he perised on 85, stumped as he came down the track to Singh, Scotland needed just 11 for victory:

Dougie Brown saw them off with three quick boundaries to hand Scotland their first major trophy:

Scotland reached their target with 4.4 overs to spare:

 

[barmyarmy]

Hamilton and More broke the back of the total and allowed the middle order to take it easy and still win comfortably:

India bowled well but gave away too many 4-balls especially early on:

Scotland paced the runchase perfectly and were worthy winners:

Scotland have won the Natwest ICC Challenge:

We caught up with the captains afterwards:

I: It's been an incredible journey Craig. How does it feel to finally get there?
C.W: We're all over the moon. I can't tell you how much this means to us and for Scottish cricket.
I: Were you a bit worried after the start their openers got?
C.W: Absolutely. They really came at us hard. After 15 overs I was thinking we were going to be chasing 400 but all credit to the bowlers, they got stuck in and did the job. Dougie Brown was superb again, he's been vital in this tournament.
I: What can you say about Ryan Watson's batting?
C.W: The lad's incredible. It's a pleasure to watch him play. The way he scores in heavy bursts and just demoralises the opposition is invaluable.
I: Thank you Craig. Enjoy your night.

I: Saurav, obviously you must be very disappointed but you knew the Scots were playing fantastically well before this game.
S.G: Yes. We thought that if we really attacked them they might not be able to take the pressure but they stood up really well. I think we should have got more than 263, we didn't make the most of the position we were in but Scotland played really well.
I: Were you unhappy with the discipline being shown by your bowlers?
S.G: No, they had a hard job. Sometimes it just doesn't land in the right place. I thought we were in a good position after 30 overs but unfortunately Watson has played too good for us today. If we'd got him out then maybe we would have won.

I: Dougie, your second MOTM award. You must be thrilled.
D.B: I think that goes without saying. It was a real team effort though. Gregor and Hoff's bowling, Morey and Gav getting us off to such a flyer and of course Ryan Watson.
I: It must have been nice to come in at the end and hit the winning runs too
D.B: Yeah, I was lucky to get the chance to do that. I was just in the right place at the right time. We're all thrilled though. Thanks of course to Tony Judd who's been inspirational and also to India today for giving us such a good match.

 

[barmyarmy]

That concludes the 2005 Natwest ICC Challenge. The only think that remains is for the viewers to vote on the Man of the Series. Averages are below:

The two candidates are Ryan Watson and Dougie Brown. A poll will be open until wednesday to decide this. Please vote and state your reasons too if possible in this thread.

 

[m_vaughan]

Ryan Watson for his consistency.

 

[dayne]

Surely you need not post a message for that

I know, it's just that this match is unrealistic to the extent in which it makes one laugh with sheer amazement and joy... if only though aye..

 

[barmyarmy]

I know, it's just that this match is unrealistic to the extent in which it makes one laugh with sheer amazement and joy... if only though aye..

Yeah well realistically I'd have been bowled out for 20 odd chasing about 500 and where's the fun in that? See my post a couple of pages back on why the lack of reality is immaterial...

 

[ZoraxDoom]

Dougie Brown for Man-of-the-Series, 10 wkts @ 10 a piece and a bat avg. of 54(with 54 runs scored......) means he gets the Man-Of-The-Series.

 

[Will p]

Ryan Watson for quick scoring and cosistency

 

[barmyarmy]

Having thought about it for several days I'm going to have to vote Watson. Not just because I find batting harder than bowling but because his runs came at exactly the right time. His 20 off an over against Aus really set up the win and his other two innings were also pivotal.

 

[Will p]

Yeh, GO SCOTALND LOL!

 

[barmyarmy]

Well final act here. Ryan Watson gets Man of the Series by 5 votes to 3. Hope you all enjoyed the tour. I'm just glad it's over and I've now got a chance of getting my 2 essays written!!!

 

[nik]

unbelivable but congrats to scotland!