A HALF-CENTURY from Richie Berrington was among the highlights for Scotland in their Cricket World Cup opener early this morning.

The Greenock all-rounder, above, struck up a sweet partnership with team-mate Matt Machan as both hit 50s to spare the Scots’ blushes after a nightmare start against co-hosts New Zealand in front of a sold-out crowd in Dunedin.

The Scots lost the tie by three wickets but the Greenock ace and colleague Machan earned praise from captain Preston Mommsen.

Scotland now travel to Christchurch tomorrow as preparations begin for their next match, against England, on Monday.