T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier: Scotland and Ireland are ready to compete for a place in the 2024 World Cup.
Scotland shocked the odds by falling just short of a World Cup spot earlier this month, but they will be strong favorites to win the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s matches will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer beginning on Thursday.
The other teams competing in the round-robin event at the Grange and Goldenacre venues are Ireland, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, and Jersey.
The top two advance to the 2024 event in the West Indies and the United States.
Ireland is ranked 12th in the ICC world T20 rankings, two places below Scotland.
Jersey is the next best team in Edinburgh, with 21 points.
In Zimbabwe, Scotland was competing for a spot in the one-day international World Cup against four nations rated higher than them in the 10-team event.
The Scots defeated the hosts, West Indies, and Ireland, as well as Oman and the United Arab Emirates, but were denied a berth at the big party in India due to a net run rate defeat by a Bas de Leede-inspired Netherlands.
The Dutch will not be in Edinburgh since they have already qualified for the 2022 T20 World Cup after finishing fourth in their Super 12 group.
Brandon McMullen, 23, was Scotland’s find of the tournament in Zimbabwe, smashing 364 runs in seven innings. He also claimed 13 wickets.
Chris Greaves, Chris Sole, and Mark Watt also performed admirably with the ball, while skipper Richie Berrington was Scotland’s second highest run-scorer with 291 runs in seven outings, and only four players hit more sixes than Michael Leask (nine).
“We’re looking forward to what will be another fantastic opportunity to qualify for a World Cup,” Berrington added.
“It will be great to play in front of my home crowds again.”
The Scottish team is fairly settled, although the absence of opener Christopher McBride provides an opportunity for George Munsey to rise up the order, while the return of Oli Hairs provides another option for interim head coach Doug Watson, who may hand left-arm quick Brad Currie his maiden cap.
Scotland’s matches at T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier:
Thursday 20 July: Scotland v Germany 15:30 – Goldenacre
Friday 21 July: Scotland v Jersey 15:30 – Grange CC
Monday 24 July: Scotland v Italy 10:30 – Grange CC
Tuesday 25 July: Scotland v Austria 10:30 – Goldenacre
Thursday 27 July: Scotland v Denmark 10:30 – Grange CC
Friday 28 July: Scotland v Ireland 15:30 – Grange CC