Scotland celebrate historic win at the Grange

Scotland's Ali Evans celebrates with Chris Sole

Skipper Kyle Coetzer’s stunning century paved the way for the 27-run success against Zimbabwe at the Grange.

Now Coetzer and Co will turn their focus to making it a double when the sides clash again in the Capital tomorrow.

The captain’s heroics – backed up by sparkling 50s by Craig Wallace and Michael Leask – propelled the Scots to 317 for six in their 50 overs.

They then excelled in the field with a five-wicket haul for Con de Lange and two remarkable run-outs to make sure the visitors were never in the hunt.

Zimbabwe were all out for 272 as they chased a rain-reduced target of 299 off 43.

Michael Leask set the tone by getting rid of Hamilton Masakadza with a pinpoint throw from midwicket to keeper Matthew Cross.

Cross was back in the spotlight to safely take the catch when Craig Ervine top-edged Chris Sole straight up in the air. And Scotland took total control as Safyaan Sharif pouched Solomon Mire in the deep to make it 97 for three. Sikander Raja was then stranded out of his crease by a rocket return from Richie Berrington.

After the rain interruption, De Lange kept up the momentum by clean bowling Ryan Burl behind his legs to make it 125 for five.

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and Berrington ruled out a late Zimbabwean rally by dismissing big-hitter Sean Williams for 70.

De Lange quickly struck again to dispose of Peter Moor before removing skipper Graeme Cremer lbw. His fourth scalp left Zimbabwe needing 106 from ten overs.

A battling 92 from Malcolm Waller set up a tension-packed finale, his spree leaving the visitors needing 38 from 18 balls. However, Scotland held their nerve, De Lange prompting Waller to lob a catch to Sole just inside the rope and Sole made sure by holding a steepler off Sharif.

Coetzer said “I am over the moon – not just for the team, but for everyone in the Cricket Scotland set-up.

“It is an absolutely huge result for the sport north of the Border.”