Seamer Jasper Davidson's sensational seven-wicket haul eclipsed Antum Naqvi's record-breaking 158 as Scotland edged Zimbabwe A in a thriller during the second unofficial ODI between the two sides on Saturday (April 26).
Chasing a daunting target, Zimbabwe A came agonizingly close thanks to Antum Naqvi's record-breaking century. But the Davidson brothers - Jasper and Oliver - held their nerve in the death overs to secure a thrilling 7-run victory for Scotland.
After opting to bat, Scotland suffered an early setback as openers George Munsey (5) and Christopher McBride (29) fell with the score at 53, but their innings was dramatically revived by No. 3 batter Brandon McMullen, who dominated the bowling attack with a scintillating hundred. McMullen's 115 came off just 80 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 16 fours and clearing it five times. He received valuable support from Finlay McCreath's composed 82 and captain Matthew Cross' brisk 35-ball 45, eventually propelling Scotland to an imposing 347 as they were bowled out on the very last ball of their allotted overs.
Also read: 26-year-old batter with no professional experience slams century on List A debut for Scotland
Naqvi hits Zimbabwe A's highest score ever
In response to Scotland's formidable total, Zimbabwe A's innings got off to a disastrous start as Jasper trapped Dion Myers lbw for a duck before removing Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 11 to leave them reeling at 29-2. Kian Blignaut (47) and Antum Naqvi tried to consolidate the innings with a crucial 87-run recovery until Oliver, Jasper's brother, struck by dismissing Blignaut leg-before. However, Naqvi and captain Roy Kaia joined hands in a magnificent 183-run stand that swung momentum back to Zimbabwe.
The Belgian-born all-rounder Naqvi was particularly devastating during his record-breaking 110-ball 158, slamming 13 fours and nine sixes. It is the highest individual score in Zimbabwe A's history across all formats, surpassing Peter Moor's 157 against Pakistan A in their 2016 Bulawayo first-class encounter.
Scotland prevail after late comeback
Naqvi’s dismissal by Jasper sparked a late collapse, as Tony Munyonga (0) and captain Kaia (68) were dismissed shortly – reducing Zimbabwe A from 299-4 to 299-6 in a dramatic triple-strike that swung momentum back to Scotland.
Timycen Maruma (18 off 7) and Brad Evans (15 off 8) contributed with late-order cameos, but they weren’t enough as Zimbabwe A were bowled out for 340 with an over remaining. Jasper were the pick of the bowlers, taking 7-75 off nine overs, while his brother Oliver (1-35 off 7 overs) was the most economical one.
2nd unofficial ODI, Zimbabwe A vs Scotland
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Image Credit: X/Zimbabwe Cricket
