Debutant Srivastava’s Fight Not Enough as USA Succumbs to Scotland
In an intense ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match, held on October 31, 2024, at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, the United States faced off against Scotland. The USA won the toss and opted to field first.
Scotland’s innings began steadily with openers Charlie Tear and Andrew Umeed. Tear’s patience at the crease helped stabilize the innings, as he scored 51 off 89 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six, before falling to Nosthush Kenjige. Umeed contributed with a quick 18 from 18 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 100. Scotland was initially restricted but saw a significant boost when Brandon McMullen, the eventual Player of the Match, took charge at the crease.
McMullen’s remarkable innings was the highlight of Scotland’s batting effort. Displaying powerful and aggressive batting, he scored 151 runs off just 140 balls, hitting 11 fours and six sixes, achieving an impressive strike rate of 107.85. His robust innings laid the foundation for a high total, pushing the team to a competitive score. Richie Berrington, the captain, provided support with a steady 26 off 27 balls, but it was McMullen’s relentless approach that took Scotland to a total of 317/5 in their 50 overs. Michael Leask finished the innings with a quickfire 33 off 11 balls, propelling Scotland’s run rate and ensuring they surpassed the 300-mark comfortably.
The USA bowlers had a challenging task, and while they managed to pick up wickets, they struggled to contain the runs. Jasdeep Singh and Saurabh Netravalkar each claimed two wickets but proved expensive, conceding 85 and 69 runs, respectively. Kenjige, on the other hand, was the most economical bowler with figures of 1/49 off 10 overs, using his spin effectively to create pressure in the middle overs.
Chasing 318, the USA’s batting lineup faced a tough challenge. Their innings began cautiously, with Sushant Modani scoring a measured 25 off 45 balls before falling to Mark Watt. Early wickets created pressure on the American batsmen, with Shayan Jahangir and Shadley van Schalkwyk both departing quickly, leaving the team at 25/2 in the seventh over. However, captain Monank Patel stepped up with an aggressive 52 off 45 balls, hitting seven fours and maintaining a strike rate of 115.55. His efforts provided some hope for the USA, but Scotland’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.
A resilient effort came from Utkarsh Srivastava, who was making his ODI debut. Scoring 67 off 63 balls with six fours and a six, Srivastava put up a fight alongside Sanjay Krishnamurthi, who added 49 off 54 balls. Together, they tried to stabilize the innings and bring the target within reach. However, Scotland’s bowlers, led by Jack Jarvis with figures of 4/40, managed to break through at crucial moments. Watt and Currie each claimed two wickets, ensuring that the USA was bowled out for 246 in 44 overs, falling short of the target by 71 runs.
Brandon McMullen’s all-round performance, with 151 runs and a crucial wicket, earned him the Player of the Match award. This victory cemented Scotland’s position in the league, while the USA left the field with valuable lessons and areas to improve in their next matches.
