Scotland take lead as wickets crash
Scotland secured a precious first-innings lead against Namibia as 20 wickets tumbled on an action-packed opening day in Windhoek
Cricinfo staff
04-Apr-2008
Namibia 115 (Blain 5-45, Wright 4-38) trail Scotland 140 (Snyman 4-40) by 25 runs
Scorecard
Scorecard
Scotland secured a precious first-innings lead against Namibia as 20 wickets tumbled on an action-packed opening day in Windhoek. John Blain and Craig Wright shared nine scalps as the visitors gained a 25-run cushion and six vital points in their quest for a place in the final.
Only three Scotland batsmen managed to reach double figures as their innings hit the depths of 48 for 6. Blain (34) made his first mark on the day with Scotland's top score, adding 47 with Gavin Hamilton (32). Gerrie Snyman, who claimed two early wickets, returned to grab another brace as the innings ended in 54 overs.
However, by the end of the first over of Namibia's reply it was clear that Scotland's 140 wasn't such a meagre total. Blain ripped out three wickets in the first six balls - two with the opening two deliveries of the innings - as Namibia slumped to 4 for 3. A partnership of 31 momentarily halted the clatter before normal service was resumed. Blain added his fourth, removing the dangerous Louis Burger, before Wright claimed his first.
Wright secured Scotland their vital points by grabbing the last three wickets of the innings and finished a day where 20 wickets fell in 85 overs.