Canada cruise to seven-wicket victory over Scotland in Dubai

Scotland fell to a disappointing seven-wicket defeat by Canada in their opening match of the new World Cup League 2 campaign.

Playing competitively for the first time since June, the defending champions reached 215-8, with opener George Munsey hitting 68.

Canada, who started with a win over United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, had little trouble reeling in that score, getting to 220-3 in the 41st over as Pargat Singh finished 87 not out and Srimantha Wijeyeratne made 56.

Aaron Johnson set the tone for Canada with his rapid 43, including five sixes, while Harsh Thaker clobbered a maximum from the final ball of the match.

Johnson’s opening partner Wijeyeratne lasted until the 33rd over, taking the day away from Scotland along with Singh, who faced 99 balls on the way to his big score.

Munsey lasted for 101 balls but his top-order colleagues could not hang around, with Scotland managing 114-4 once he was dismissed.

Matthew Cross (30) and Michael Leask (40) got the scoreboard moving, only to both fall to the bowling of Dillon Heyliger, and their wickets doused the prospect of any late fireworks.

“It’s obviously not the start we wanted, but as we’ve just discussed as a group, it’s now all about how we respond to this defeat ahead of the next match,” said interim head coach Stevie Gilmour.

“We weren’t quite able to establish enough partnerships with the bat, or apply enough pressure with the ball, so there are plenty of things we need to work on.”

Scotland are next in action against the UAE on Sunday.