Scotland wins ICC Intercontinental Cup final

A spectacular second-innings collapse by Canada enabled Scotland to win the inaugural ICC Intercontinental Cup final at Sharjah by an innings and 84 runs with more than a day to spare.

Jon Long

22-Nov-2004

John Blain receiving his Man of the Match award © ICC

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

A spectacular second-innings collapse by Canada enabled Scotland to win the inaugural ICC Intercontinental Cup final at Sharjah by an innings and 84 runs with more than a day to spare.

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 some pride. Asim Butt (4 for 10) and John Blain (4 for 28) ripped through Canada's batting with ease, exploiting helpful conditions to the full. The pair effectively wrapped up the match in a devastating 11 overs before Umar Bhatti (41) and Ashish Patel (25*) stopped the rot.

Scotland Squad © ICC

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.

Scotland began the day 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.

Scotland captain, Craig Wright:

We played fantastic cricket over the five days play we had here, first against Kenya and then against Canada. 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.

Canada captain, Ian Billcliff:

Firstly, I'd like to offer congratualations to Scotland. Obviously we are disappointed the way things went but we are still very positive about what we learnt in this tournament, and especially from a player development perspective. The ICC Intercontinental Cup is a great tournament and concept and we look forward to participating next year

We worked hard to get to the final, but congratulations to Scotland who played well.