ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Scotland targeting ‘scalps and headlines’

Scotland’s regular wins against full-member nations are more impressive when one considers they very rarely play against them outside ICC tournaments.

Bilateral series come around maybe once a year, with international cricket providing very few opportunities for associate nations to test themselves against the world’s best.

Indeed, Scotland last faced Australia in any form of cricket nine years ago and have never played them in a T20.

“Our guys have also got a point to prove as we’ve not had a huge amount of cricket over the last couple of years,” seam bowler Brad Wheal said.

“This is an opportunity for guys to put their hands up and show the world we can challenge any international squad. Hopefully more fixtures come off the back of it if we impress some people.”

Scotland are only ranked above Oman in Group B – a consequence of their lack of cricket – but with a similar squad to the one that came through qualifying in home conditions last summer, head coach Doug Watson is confident.

“Every tournament we play, we want to win every game,” the South African added.

“But we just need to dial it back and make sure we are focusing on every moment of every game and not looking too far ahead. We also need to make sure we enjoy every moment.”