Team USA outplayed Scotland to move clear at the top of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 table in Sharjah in a brilliant game of cricket today.
USA won the toss and decided to make first use of a superb batting wicket and having been in such a strong position they will have ended up a little disappointed not to push past the 300 mark in what was an impressive batting performance.
After the early loss of Marshall it was Monank Patel and Aaron Jones who were the stand-out batsmen with both posting large 50s at a good strike-rate. The maiden century by an American batsman eluded them both as Patel fell first for 82 before Jones went soon after for 74.
Ian Holland provided important momentum and showed off the big-hitting that was apparent at the Super50 with 44 off 29 balls and Saurabh’s Netravalkar’s cameo at the very end of the innings with 19 off 11 deliveries was crucial in driving USA up to 282 for 8 from their 50 Overs.
WHAT A WIN!
A famous day for American cricket as #TeamUSA close out a stunning win over Scotland to extend our lead at the top of the #CWCLeague2 table!
FULL SCORECARD➡️: https://t.co/PMQm0FCKa1
The #RoadtoIndia 2023 is on!! pic.twitter.com/D6VrIj4GhW
— USA Cricket (@usacricket) December 9, 2019
Scotland’s innings was rocked by an early double-strike as both openers fell in consecutive overs with Kyle Coetzer bowled by Theron after Saurabh Netravalkar continued his brilliant form with the ball removing Matthew Cross.
A 97 run partnership between MacLeod and Jones before a quickfire 34 from RIchie Berrington had Scotland back on top in the chase though and with MacLeod batting so impressively it looked like the game was Scotland’s for the taking.
USA fought back though a Cameron Stevenson inspired burst, he claimed the big wicket of MacLeod before bowling Budge and Watt to put USA on the brink of a stunning win. Rusty Theron then combined with Ian Holland to seal the win and spark great celebrations for Team USA.
Monank Patel is named as the Player of the Match for his innings of 82 from 102 balls!?
The whole #TeamUSA?? squad were superb though in what must rank as our biggest ever ODI win?
FULL SCORECARD➡️: https://t.co/fpSVzE0jzA pic.twitter.com/6oiaFk4jTS
— USA Cricket (@usacricket) December 9, 2019
The margin of victory in the end read 35 runs as Scotland lost their last 6 wickets for 54 runs. A brilliant performance from USA early in their ODI career beating a side that had triumphed over the No. 1 ranked England just 18 months ago.
Scotland play UAE tomorrow before a well-deserved rest day for all three sides and USA will prepare to move over to Dubai for the final two matches, starting with UAE on Thursday at the ICC Academy Ground trying to make it 3 wins from 3.
Team USA’s schedule in the UAE is as follows:
December 8 USA vs United Arab Emirates, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – Won by 3 wickets
December 9 USA vs Scotland, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – Won by 35 runs
December 12 USA vs United Arab Emirates, ICC Academy Ground, Dubai
December 14 USA vs Scotland, ICC Academy Ground, Dubai
See the full schedule by clicking here.
Team USA squad:
Saurabh Netravalkar (C – Marin 1, Northern California Cricket Association)
Steven Taylor (VC – Sheffield Cricket Club, New York Metropolitan Cricket League)
Karima Gore (Antigua)
Ian Holland (Hampshire, England)
Akshay Homraj (Galaxy Cricket Club, Eastern American Cricket Association)
Elmore Hutchinson (Caribbean CC, Southern California Cricket Association)
Aaron Jones (Atlantis Cricket Club, New York Metropolitan Cricket League)
Nosthush Kenjige (Atlantis Cricket Club, New York Metropolitan Cricket League)
Xavier Marshall (Triggers Cricket Club, Houston Cricket League)
Monank Patel (Freedom Cricket Club, Cricket League of New Jersey)
Nisarg Patel (Vijayta Cricket Club, Southern California Cricket Association)
Timil Patel (Vijayta Cricket Club, Southern California Cricket Association)
Cameron Stevenson (Carlton Cricket Club, Australia)
Rusty Theron (Potomac Cricket Club, Washington Cricket League)
