All eyes will be on The Grange this morning as the Scotland take on UAE in the opening match of their quest for a place in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup.
The ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 is a 14-team qualifying tournament taking place from 9 July to 26 July in Scotland and Ireland. 18 days of action will decide the top six sides that will join the 10 ICC full members for the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016.
Scotland host the qualifying tournament’s Pool B, with Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Canada, Kenya and Oman competing in a round-robin contest. Pool A is made up of Hong Kong, Ireland, Jersey, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and United States. The winners of each pool are guaranteed selection with the teams finishing in second, third and fourth in each pool fighting for the remaining four places via a series of play-offs.
Scotland have been in good form in this week’s warm up matches seeing off Nambia and Jersey by six-wickets and 69-runs respectively. Richie Berrington and George Munsey both caught the eye with the bat, Berrington scoring 61 against Nambia off 35 balls before Munsey hit a an impressive 75 against Jersey.
Stand by for three hours of guaranteed tension, excitement and some big hitting. It’s 20-overs-a-side and Scotland will be desperate to get off to a winning start against UAE. And following the Scotland match there’s a chance to watch their opponents this Saturday (also at the Grange, start time 2.15pm) as Netherlands take on Afghanistan.
Scotland v UAE starts 10am. Netherlands v Afghanistan is at 2.15pm.
Admission on the day to both matches. Adults £15 ~ Concessions (over 60’s/students) £10 ~ Under 16s free.
Tickets available to purchase at the Portgower entrance to the ground.