Scotland edge past USA by two runs to lead CWCL2 in 2026

Scotland secured a thrilling two-run victory over USA to claim the top spot in Cricket World Cup League 2 in 2026.

Match result and standings Scotland claimed the lead in Cricket World Cup League 2 after a nail-biting two-run win over USA in Nepal. Rain once again disrupted proceedings, forcing the match into a reduced-overs contest. The victory lifted Scotland two points above USA in the standings. Scotland have now played five matches. ## Scotland's dominant first innings Scotland posted a commanding total of 321-6 in 47 overs, with opener Finlay McCreath leading the charge with 77 runs. Brandon McMullen and Matthew Cross both contributed quick-fire half-centuries, while Mark Watt and Michael Leask added late-order fireworks. This total represented a significant improvement from their 243-8 score in Tuesday’s narrow win over Nepal. ## USA's valiant chase falls short USA began their reply strongly, with Brad Currie removing Shayan Jahangir early. Smit Patel anchored the innings with a fluent 72 as the team reached triple figures inside 16 overs. Heavy rain then interrupted play, with USA at 160-4 from 26.4 overs before a revised target of 248 from 32 overs was set. ## Mukkamalla's explosive century Number four batter Saiteja Mukkamalla smashed an aggressive 104 from 72 deliveries after the restart, including a hundred reached in just 72 balls. His assault kept the match finely poised until the very end. Mukkamalla’s efforts ensured the game would be decided in the final overs. ## Dramatic finish secures Scotland's lead With 16 runs required off the last over, Mukkamalla miscued a wide delivery from Brandon McMullen. Scotland captain Richie Berrington completed a stunning diving catch running backwards from extra cover to dismiss the batter. USA managed nine runs from the over, leaving six needed from the final ball, but Mohammad Mohsin managed just four. Scotland now lead the standings. ## Captain's post-match reflections Richie Berrington called the catch a crucial moment saying, "It was a pretty important moment, so I'm lucky it stuck in my hands." He praised Mukkamalla’s innings and admitted Scotland made the game tougher than intended. Berrington added, "Really important that we held our nerve. We made it tougher than we would have liked but we held our nerve." He also said, "It took us a while to get going again after the rain break. I'm just pleased we managed to close it out. We're finding a way to get over the line."