Scotland beat Netherlands to win home T20I tri-series

EDINBURGH: Captain Kathryn Bryce backed her unbeaten half-century with economical bowling figures of 1/16 and powered Scotland to a comprehensive 24-run victory over Netherlands in the rain-hit fifth match of the home T20I tri-series here at the Grange Cricket Club Ground on Wednesday.

The victory marked Scotland's third and helped them finish at the top of the standings with six points in four matches, which could not be toppled by either Netherlands or Bangladesh, who both have two points after three games.

In a match that was earlier reduced to 12 overs per side due to rain interruption, Netherlands captain won the toss and elected to field first – a decision that backfired as the home side piled up 124/3 in their allotted overs, courtesy of Bryce's blistering half-century.

Bryce top-scored for the home side with an unbeaten 63 off 33 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six.

She was also involved in crucial partnerships with opener Katherine Fraser and wicketkeeper batter Sarah Bryce, who made notable contributions with 29 and 23 not out, respectively.

For Netherlands, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling and Caroline de Lange could pick up a wicket apiece.

After another rain interruption, the match was further reduced to 10 overs, with Netherlands set a revised target of 105.

The visitors, however, could muster 80 in the allotted overs and thus succumbed to their second defeat in the T20I tri-series.

Middle-order batter Sterre Kalis remained the top-scorer for Netherlands with an anchoring 28 off 22, while captain de Leede (14) and opener Heather Siegers (15) were the others to amass double figures.

Chloe Abel spearheaded Scotland's bowling charge with two wickets for eight runs in her two overs, while Olivia Bell, Priyanaz Chatterji and Bryce chipped in with one scalp apiece.

For her all-round exploits, Bryce was adjudged the Player of the Match in Scotland's title-clinching victory.