Mukkamalla's counterattacking ton in vain as Scotland survive USA scare

Sai Mukkamalla nearly pulled off one of USA's greatest ODI chases with a counterattacking hundred, but Scotland held their nerve to clinch a thrilling two-run victory. Matthew Cross's whirlwind half-century and Brandon McMullen's all-round brilliance powered Scotland to 321 in 47 overs in a rain-affected contest.

Scotland's innings had early intent. George Munsey took a liking to Milind Kumar, carting him for successive boundaries before holing out to fine leg off Saurabh Netravalkar.

Brandon McMullen opened his account with a pull over midwicket and exploded between the 15th and 19th overs, flying from 14 off 19 to 41 off 21. He brought up his half-century soon after but was dismissed, a power-packed drive carrying straight to mid-off off Jasdeep Singh.

Richie Berrington followed via a soft dismissal, offering Shubham Ranjane an easy return catch. Michael English tried to force the pace with a couple of sixes before skying Milind, with Ranjane completing a neat catch.

With wickets falling, Charlie McReath anchored Scotland with a resolute 77 off 102 balls. The decisive late surge came from wicketkeeper Matthew Cross, whose whirlwind 58 off 32 transformed a competitive 270 into a match-winning 321. Michael Leask and Mark Watt took 22 off Jasdeep's final over to carry momentum.

Smit Patel wrestled momentum back for USA in the first over with a pair of boundaries off Brad Currie. While USA lost Shayan Jahangir, Smit punished the seamers, striking seven boundaries, including an elegant on-the-up six.

He raced to a 38-ball half-century but Sharif corrected course quickly, inducing Monank Patel into mistiming a lofted drive as USA slipped to 81 for 2.

Monank's wicket disrupted Smit's rhythm. He faced only 10 balls in the next seven overs before his dismissal. Sai Mukkamalla struggled initially, 10 off 20, before breaking the shackles with a big heave over long-on. Oliver Davidson ended Smit's stroke-filled 72 by pinning him in front.

Shehan Jayasuriya fell cheaply on debut, chipping Mark Watt straight to mid-off. Mukkamalla brought up his half-century off 55 balls just before rain arrived, with USA 160 for 4.

When play resumed, USA were set a revised target of 249 in 32 overs, needing 89 off 32 balls. Milind Kumar fell soon after the restart.

Mukkamalla unleashed himself, taking 18 off Sharif in one over. Even with the asking rate soaring past 20, he trusted his range. He brought up his hundred off 72 balls with back-to-back sixes against Watt. His stunning assault ended on the second ball of the final over, holing out in the deep off McMullen, allowing Scotland to close out a thrilling two-run win.