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Xtra Time Web Desk: Scotland secured another historic win over West Indies, thanks to an exceptional performance by Brandon McMullen. After their victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup last year, Scotland repeated their success with a comprehensive seven-wicket win. McMullen played a vital role by taking three wickets for 32 runs and then scoring an impressive 69 runs during the chase. Matthew Cross remained unbeaten on 74 as Scotland reached the target with 6.3 overs to spare. The defeat dashed West Indies' hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in India, while Scotland now face crucial matches, starting with a game against hosts Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

Choosing to field after winning the toss, Richie Berrington's decision paid off as Scotland took four wickets in the opening powerplay. McMullen dismissed Johnson Charles and Shamarh Brooks for ducks and later caught Brandon King (22). Chris Sole joined the party by uprooting Kyle Mayers' stumps, reducing West Indies to 30 for four. A brief recovery was led by Shai Hope (13) and Nicholas Pooran (21), but their dismissals left West Indies struggling at 81 for six. Jason Holder (45) and Romario Shepherd (36) provided some resistance, but Scotland's bowlers, including Sole and Chris Greaves, ensured West Indies were bowled out for 181 with 6.1 overs remaining.

In their run chase, Scotland lost an early wicket when Chris McBride was caught at mid-wicket off the first ball. However, McMullen and Cross took control of the innings. They rotated the strike well and capitalized on loose deliveries. McMullen reached his half-century first, followed by Cross, who hit three boundaries off Kevin Sinclair. McMullen eventually departed with 57 runs needed, but Cross continued to guide the team. George Munsey contributed 18 runs before getting out, but captain Berrington joined Cross to complete the historic win. With a pull shot through deep mid-wicket, Berrington sealed Scotland's maiden ODI victory over West Indies.

Scores in brief

West Indies 181 all out in 43.5 overs (Jason Holder 45, Romario Shepherd 36; Brandon McMullen 3/32)
Scotland 185/3 in 43.3 overs (Matthew Cross 74 not out, Brandon McMullen 67)