Scotland set Bangladesh 319-run target

Nelson, March 5 (IANS) A splendid century by opener Kyle Coetzer (156) helped Scotland post an imposing total of 318/8 against Bangladesh in a World Cup Pool A encounter at the Saxton Oval here on Thursday.

Coetzer's second One-Day International (ODI) century and the first against a Test playing country is also a first by a Scottish player in World Cups. The highest score by a batsman from an Associate team helped the minnows put up the second highest team total for an Associate at the quadrennial event which can give Scotland their first win in World Cup history.

Scotland did not start well after being put in to bat, losing two wickets in the first 10 overs. However, two important partnerships thereon helped create the platform for them to post the 300-plus score.

A 78-run third-wicket partnership between Coetzer and Matt Machan (35) and a fourth-wicket stand of 141 between Coetzer and skipper Preston Mommsen (39) guided the minnows.

Right handed bat Coetzer produced the innings of his life, smashing 156 off 134 balls to give the non-Test playing nation a chance to earn their first win against Bangladesh in four meetings.

Pacer Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, picking 3/43, while spinner Nassir Hossain clinched 2/32.

Brief scores: Scotland 318/8 in 50 overs (Kyle Coetzer 156, Preston Mommsen 39; Taskin Ahmed 3/43, Nasir Hossain 2/32).