Pakistan edge out Scotland

Mohammad Yousuf’s 83 not out was enough for Pakistan to gain a five-wicket win over a battling Scotland side today, as the tourists struggled in their first warm-up game since coming to England. Abdul Razzaq hit 49 not out but struggled with the ball, as Ryan Watson hit 80 and Neil McCallum 68.

Scotland were inserted on losing the toss, and promptly vindicated Inzamam-ul-Haq’s decision by collapsing to 20-4 in the face of some accurate new-ball bowling. However, this brought Watson and McCallum together at the crease, and the two set about rebuilding the innings in contrasting fashions – Watson with a rush of boundaries, McCallum with careful defence.

A wayward spell of 5-0-41-0 from Razzaq allowed the hosts to reach 138-4, before Watson was caught and bowled by Shahid Afridi. McCallum and Dougie Lockhart then built handy stand of 55, before the innings folded somewhat, leaving Scotland on a final total of 203-8. Watson and McCallum’s partnership of 118 was their country’s highest against a Test nation.

Pakistan’s top order then made hard work of chasing a relatively low total – numbers one to three in the order all fell to an outstanding spell from Paul Hoffmann with the new ball. Mohammad Yousuf was joined by Shahid Afridi at the crease, but an expectant crowd was left disappointed as he holed out having scored just 11.

Razzaq then joined Yousuf, and they steadily built their way close to the target of 204, before launching a final assault on the bowling to push them over the line. Razzaq’s unbeaten 49 contained three sixes, as the Scottish attack failed to mount one last challenge – but their side can be rightly proud of their achievements today. For Pakistan, there is still work to do.

Scotland 203-8 (50 overs)
Watson 80, McCallum 68; Shoaib Malik 3-33

Pakistan won by 5 wickets

Pakistan 205-5 (43.5 overs)
Yousuf 83*, Razzaq 49*; Hoffman 3-22

Cricket Web Player of the Match – Mohammad Yousuf, 83 (113 balls, 11×4)