Namibia, Scotland register wins in Over-40s World Cup

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Namibia and Scotland recorded their first victories as action in the IMC Over-40s World Cup continued on Monday.

Namibia rebounded from their opening-round defeat to Australia with a six-wicket win over Colombia, while Scotland cruised to a commanding 178-run victory over a Rest of the World (ROW) side to begin their campaign on a winning note.

After winning the toss and electing to bat at the Lusignan Community Centre, Colombia posted 178 for nine from their allotted 45 overs.

They were led by Abhas Srivastava, who scored 69 from 93 balls, including five fours and a six, while Christopher Laas contributed 39 off 78 deliveries.

Asad Abbas spearheaded Namibia’s bowling effort with 4-30, while Hendrik Gelndenhuys claimed 3-24.

In reply, captain Gerrie Snyman and John Valentin struck half-centuries to guide Namibia to 179 for four in 36 overs.

Snyman finished unbeaten on 53 from 81 balls with two fours, while opener Valentin made 51 off 75 deliveries, including two sixes and a four.

The pair shared a 72-run second-wicket partnership that put Namibia firmly in control at 134 for one in the 27th over.

Meanwhile, Scotland dominated their opening match against the ROW in a one-sided contest.

Opener Kyle Coetzer produced a superb 104 from 118 balls, striking six fours and a six, to anchor Scotland’s total of 232 for five from 45 overs at the Everest Cricket Club.

Luis Hermida (2-41) and Hasham Khan (2-46) were the most successful bowlers for the ROW.

Scotland then dismissed their opponents for just 54 in 27.3 overs, with Azeem Akbar ripping through the batting line-up.

Akbar finished with outstanding figures of 5-7 from nine overs as none of the ROW batters managed to reach double figures.