DEWALD NEL last night shrugged off his record-breaking bowling performance against Ireland.
The former Heriot's and Watsonians paceman claimed 4-25 – the best performance in a one-day cricket international by a Scot – to set up an easy win against the Irish at Mannofield, Aberdeen.
The five-wicket triumph set up a Tri-Series decider agai
nst the Black Caps at the same venue today.
And Nel insisted: "Although it's always nice to get wickets, I'm not too bothered about the record.
"Hopefully it will be broken soon in any case.
"I thought the whole side did well and, although it was my day with the ball, the other bowlers also chipped in."
New ball partner John Blain took 2-29 and Gordon Goudie 2-41 as the Irish were restricted to 210-8.
Former Yorkshire and England star Gavin Hamilton then stroked a maiden ODI century to set the seal on a polished Scottish performance.
Nel added: "John and I have bowled really well together this season and have formed a pretty good partnership.
"We set targets at the start of the season of keeping things tight and also taking wickets and we've managed that.
"I thought Gavin also batted really well and showed all his experience to guide the run chase. He deserved his ton."
Nel has already claimed several major scalps this season, including Andrew Flintoff and Mohammed Yousuf during the Saltires' amazing FP Trophy win over Lancashire at Old Trafford in May.
Coach Pete Steindl added: "It was a great team performance against the Irish but we hope to build on what we did against New Zealand."
Having beaten Ireland, the Scots would qualify for a place on the official ODI ranking table if they pulled off their biggest-ever shock by beating the Black Caps.
The full article contains 309 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
