Scotland cruise to innings victory

Canada 110 and 93 lost to Scotland 287 for 8 dec (Hamilton 115, Lockhart 64) by an innings and 84 runs
Scorecard

A delighted Craig Wright holds the trophy aloft © ICC

A spectacular second-innings collapse by Canada enabled Scotland to win the inaugural Intercontinental Cup final at Sharjah by an innings and 84 runs with more than a day to spare. If Canada's attempt first time round when they were bowled out inside two sessions for 110 was poor, this afternoon's display was downright embarrassing.

Facing a first-innings deficit of 177 after Scotland declared on 287 for 8, Canada crashed to 24 for 8 (with one man, Sunil Dhaniram, retired hurt) before a last-wicket stand of 69 allowed them to salvage a smidgeon of pride. Asim Butt (4 for 10) and John Blain (4 for 28) ripped through Canada's batting with humiliating ease, exploiting helpful conditions to the full. Inside 11 overs they swung and seamed Canada dry before Umar Bhatti (41) and Ashish Patel (25*) stopped the rot.

Bhatti was the only one of the Canadian players who emerged from the day with any credit. Earlier, he took four of the five Scotland wickets which fell, including three in one over, finishing with 4 for 49. But resuming on 180 for 3, Gavin Hamilton (115) and Ryan Watson (57) extended their fourth-wicket stand to 118 before five wickets fell for 15 as Scotland pressed for quick runs ahead of the declaration.

"We played fantastic cricket over the five days play we had here, first over Kenya and then over Canada," beamed Craig Wright, Scotland's captain. "It's a team victory, and everybody has contributed in both matches, with not just individuals performing but every member of the team contributing and playing exceptional cricket. This victory is important for Scotland as we want to prove we are the strongest Associate member country and a win in emphatic style sends a strong message."