Leask delivered a standout all-round performance, ripping through Italy\u2019s middle order with figures of 4-17, the third-best bowling figures by an associate nation bowler in Men\u2019s T20 World Cup history, and later smashed an unbeaten 22 off just five balls in the final over of Scotland\u2019s innings to propel them past the 200-run mark.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the win, Leask was quick to credit the collective effort behind Scotland\u2019s first victory of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFor me, it was just the full team performance today. Look, it's been a lot of hard work coming into this tour. We obviously hadn't had the prep time, but it just shows how much dedication we've got to what we've done. Look, we trained hard and obviously I know the guys are going to give me stick by bowling at right-handers, but getting three of their right-handers out probably was the most important,\u201d Leask said in the post-match presentation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Scotland posted a commanding 207\/4 after being sent in to bat, with George Munsey\u2019s 84 laying the platform before Leask provided the late fireworks, taking 22 runs from the final over to deliver the tournament\u2019s first 200-plus total and a historic landmark for associate nations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Discussing his late cameo with the bat, Leask explained that his approach has remained unchanged regardless of the stage or situation. Speaking of his knock, he said, \u201cSimilar to the day I played against West Indies. Look if it's in my arc, it's got to go. It's my job. It's what I've always done for this team. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I play that same way on the field. If the first ball's there, I'll try and hit it for six and today was no different.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Italy\u2019s chase never fully recovered from early wickets, and Leask ensured there was no late resistance by exploiting the conditions and sticking to plans refined after Scotland\u2019s opening match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe learned a lot from game one. It was just a little bit more back of a length, a little bit more into the surface. Today, obviously, being the day match, it gave me a little bit more assistance, a little bit more spin and stop. So, just driving it into that surface and trying to shut off one side of the field was really important. And then, obviously, it got a little bit lucky at times, but yeah, it's nice when days go like that,\u201d he said of his bowling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs, with Leask\u2019s spell breaking the backbone of their chase, while Mark Watt and the seamers maintained pressure from the other end.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Scotland now up and running in Group C, Leask stressed that the focus quickly shifts to what lies ahead, with qualification for the Super 8s firmly in sight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs, with Leask\u2019s spell breaking the backbone of their chase, while Mark Watt and the seamers maintained pressure from the other end.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Scotland will next face England on February 14 at the same venue, Eden Gardens.<\/p>\r\n\r\n