Scotland stuns West Indies by 42 runs in T20 World Cup
George Munsey, left, struck an unbeaten half-century as Scotland scored a 42-run win over the West Indies. Photo: AAP
Scotland has produced the second upset of T20 World Cup, toppling two-time champions West Indies by 42 runs on the back of its spinners and some rock-solid outfield catching.
The Scots posted 5-160 after losing the toss in Hobart on Monday before tweakers Mark Watt (3-12 from four overs) and Michael Leask (2-15 from four overs) came to the fore.
The West Indies, who won the tournament in 2012 and 2016, couldn’t get a partnership going, with the loss putting a dent in their chances of progressing to the next stage.
They were all out for 118 in 18.3 overs, losing 7-26 from the sixth over to the 13th.
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West Indies coach Phil Simmons said his side lacked professionalism, lashing their soft dismissals.
“You’ve got to sum up the situation of the game and play to the situation. I don’t think we did that,” he said.
Experienced all-rounder Jason Holder top scored with 38 from 33 balls but ran out of help.
It is the second sizeable upset in as many days after minnows Namibia thrashed Sri Lanka by 55 runs in Geelong on Sunday.
Scotland grabbed several tricky outfield catches, while Watt picked up his three scalps bowling from well behind the crease.
The West Indies’ evening was summed up when Akeal Hosein was run out in the 13th over for one despite Leask needing a second attempt to disturb the stumps.
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“We knew we were going to have to play well. But we back our skills,” Scotland captain Richie Berrington said.
“It’s a big win but that belief has always been there that we can do it.”
Earlier, Scotland opener George Munsey anchored the innings with 66 not out from 53 balls.
Scotland got off to a flying start and was 0-54 after the power play thanks to Munsey, who scored six of his nine boundaries in the first six overs.
He whacked speedster Alzarri Joseph for three consecutive fours in the fourth over but struggled to regain his groove after a 45-minute rain delay in the sixth over.
Holder put the screws on after the rain with 2-14 but surprisingly bowled just the three of a maximum four overs.
Group B sides, West Indies, Scotland, Ireland and Zimbabwe are fighting to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the tournament.
They play each other once, with the top two teams progressing to the next stage.
