Scotland’s first match of the 2024 T20 World Cup versus England in Barbados was a disappointing no-result game due to continuous rain. Despite getting a point from Group B, the Scottish team were disappointed for failing to beat the defending champions.
Deciding to bat first after winning the toss, Scotland did well on the unpredictable Kensington Oval pitch. Michael Jones and George Munsey who opened with great partnership laying solid foundation as they reached 51 runs in just 6.2 overs before proceedings were halted by heavy downpour.
The game resumed as a ten-over-each-side clash and Scotland’s opening pair continued its fine form which saw them add another 39 runs off their remaining 22 balls faced. Consequently, their efforts helped push Scotland into an excellent position that ended on 90-0 at innings end.
However more rain during the interval between innings meant that both teams earned just single point from this match.
Despite getting a point against a strong opposition, Michael Jones of Scotland had mixed feelings about it. He recognized his team’s performance that included opening stand successes against England’s formidable pace attack.
“We started really well so I think we can take some confidence from that,” said Jones, who pointed out how difficult it was to score quick runs against Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
Nevertheless, disappointment was evident in Jones when he talked about how much it hurt him as captain when he felt like Scotland should have come away with victory. “We totally thought we could win this game,” remarked Michael Jones sorrowfully knowing very well how close they had been towards making history.
Jones further highlighted such thoughts saying that if anything; Scotland would have been better placed in a shorter match probably five overs each way. “It might have gone more our way if it was going to be shorter,” stated Jones.
The stoppage caused significant changes in fortunes for England’s leading fast bowlers Archer and Wood who could not complete their spells. They each bowled two overs before being stopped from continuing in the abbreviated match.
Scotland’s performance, though it ended this way, showed their potential in the tournament. The opening partnership between Munsey (41 not out off 31 balls) and Jones (45 not out off 30 balls) revealed pressure-handling skills amidst attacking a world-class bowling line-up.
The game is eventually abandoned, and so England and Scotland share points for Group B. Currently second on the table are England while Scotland occupies third place.
