It was one of the most amazing occasions in Scotland’s cricket history.
And, thanks to outstanding performances and record-breaking achievements, Kyle Coetzer’s side beat England by six runs at the Grange in Edinburgh.
There is no overstating the importance of this triumph, both in terms of demonstrating the remarkable progress the Scots have made in recent years and the redemption they gained after missing out on next summer’s World Cup.
They had never defeated their traditional rivals before. And the visitors were overwhelming favourites at the outset of the contest.
But, from start to finish, the hosts, bolstered by a marvellous unbeaten 140 from Calum MacLeod – he reached his century in 70 balls – and 50s from Coetzer and George Munsey were superbly aggressive.
They were determined to prove their worth against the world’s No 1 ODI team and eventually hit 371 for 5, which drove a bus through any number of existing milestones.
It was an unprecedented score in this milieu for the Scots.
Prior to yesterday, their highest tally against the English was 211, but Coetzer and Co never relaxed their grip on the proceedings throughout their 50 overs, while displaying a rich array of strokes and a relentless attacking intent.
Coetzer and his fellow Aberdonian, Matt Cross, set the tone with a terrific opening stand of 103 – in just 13.3 overs – and although both fell in quick succession, MacLeod and Richie Berrington maintained the momentum and laid the foundations for a coruscating climax.
At the interval, the home side were confident, but Jonny Bairstow threatened to spoil the party with a magical 105, which looked like the catalyst for Eoin Morgan’s troops to seize the initiative.
They were well ahead of the run rate after 20 and 30 overs, but gradually the Scots, helped by impressive spells from Mark Watt, Berrington and Safyaan Sharif, nibbled away and, with Alex Hales running out Joe Root, before throwing away his own wicket, the balance shifted.
However, Moeen Ali and Liam Plunkett produced valuable contributions and the tension mounted as the shadows lengthened.
Yet, at the denouement, the crowd were in raptures as Watt and Sharif made the vital breakthroughs and the former trapped Mark Wood lbw to secure a famous victory.
Coetzer spoke afterwards of how his men had “created history” and that was absolutely correct. Better still was their swashbuckling positivity.
As former England captain Michael Vaughan said: “This makes it even more bonkers Scotland are not at next year’s World Cup.”
Now, they will aim for fresh glory against Pakistan tomorrow!
