Scotland’s national cricket team delivered a performance for the ages as they set a new record total in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWCL2), posting a monumental 380 for 9 against the Netherlands in Utrecht. This commanding effort not only marked Scotland’s highest-ever score in One Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing their previous best of 371 against England in 2018, but also set a new benchmark in the CWCL2, outdoing the UAE’s previous record of 348.
The tone for the innings was set early by opener George Munsey, who blazed his way to a fluent 80 from just 56 deliveries. Munsey’s aggressive intent was clear from the outset as he dispatched the Dutch bowlers to all parts of the ground, striking 12 boundaries and two sixes. His innings provided the perfect foundation for what would turn out to be a historic day for Scottish cricket.
Following Munsey’s departure, Brandon McMullen and captain Richie Berrington took the reins and launched an assault that left the Netherlands bowlers struggling for answers. McMullen showed maturity beyond his years, crafting a well-paced century – his fourth in ODIs – and anchored the innings with poise and precision. At the other end, Berrington provided fireworks, accelerating at blistering speed to convert his fifty into a century in just 24 additional balls.
The partnership between McMullen and Berrington added 131 runs and ensured that Scotland maintained a scoring rate well above seven runs per over throughout the innings. Berrington’s innings was particularly destructive in the final overs, as he punished anything off line or length with disdain, ensuring Scotland surged past the 350 mark and into record-breaking territory.
The Netherlands were visibly deflated as Scotland’s batters piled on the runs. Despite trying six different bowlers, the Dutch attack was unable to halt the momentum. A few late wickets helped stem the flow slightly, but by then, the damage was well and truly done.
In reply, the Netherlands never truly got into the chase. Losing early wickets, they were immediately on the back foot. Bas de Leede showed resistance with a well-compiled 74, but the required run rate had already spiraled beyond reach. Scotland’s bowlers, led by Brandon McMullen once again, put in a disciplined effort. McMullen completed a superb all-round performance by claiming 4 wickets for 55 runs, while Brad Currie supported ably with three wickets of his own.
The Dutch innings folded for 235 in 42.1 overs, handing Scotland a resounding 145-run victory. The win propelled Scotland further up the CWCL2 standings, where they now sit in a competitive third position with nine wins from 16 games. With more home fixtures to come, including matches against Nepal and the Netherlands again in Dundee, Scotland is well poised to continue their climb.
This match not only reinforced Scotland’s growing reputation in international cricket but also demonstrated the depth and quality within their squad. With experienced players firing and young talents stepping up, the team looks determined to make a serious push for qualification and long-term success on the global stage.