Scotland ready for 'cut-throat' T20 World Cup qualifier

George Munsey and Brandon McMullen will be key with the bat for Scotland

Scotland are no strangers to high-pressure cricket.

Unlike the more established sides in the international game, they have to earn their place at World Cups through qualifying events, the latest of which gets under way this weekend at Voorburg Cricket Club in The Hague.

The Scots will face the host nation plus Italy, Jersey and Guernsey in a round-robin format, with the top two sides earning a spot at next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Having reached the past four T20 World Cups, Scotland prepared for the upcoming qualifier by winning two and losing two of four T20s in Glasgow against the Netherlands and Nepal.

They were below their best level in this format at home but have beaten both Jersey and Italy in warm-up games since arriving on Dutch soil.

Who's in the Scotland squad?

Sussex duo Brad Currie and Charlie Tear are included having missed last month's T20s in Glasgow, while there is also a recall for opening batter Oli Hairs.

"He's a great explosive option at the top of the order," head coach Doug Watson said of Hairs.

"Charlie Tear did really well in the CWCL2 matches in Dundee and has continued to play well back at Sussex.

"Brad Currie has been excellent for Sussex and he's been a constant performer for us over the last couple of years. We're lucky to have his experience and his fielding ability and movement is also excellent so that's a big boost."

Scotland squad: Richie Berrington (captain), Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Jasper Davidson, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Leask, Chris McBride, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt.

What's at stake?

Exposure and financial benefit, to put it simply.

Scotland very rarely get the opportunity to play full members of the ICC outside global tournaments so qualifying is of the utmost importance.

It allows the Scots to both showcase their ability and test themselves against the best players in the world. It has been said by many Scotland players and coaches that is the only way for them to improve significantly.

The prize money and prestige involved incentivises Scotland's county players - the likes of Lancashire's Michael Jones and Hampshire's Brad Wheal - who aren't at the qualifier to play, thus strengthening their squad.

For the Cricket Scotland organisation, a World Cup - especially one in India - is a rare chance to bring in new sponsors.

In associate cricket, where money is tight at the best of times, the chance to boost coffers is much needed.

Who are favourites to qualify?

Scotland are ranked the highest of the five teams in the ICC T20 rankings at 13th, two places above the host nation.

Indeed, the Scots and the Netherlands are favourites to progress to the World Cup proper next year.

However, Italy will go to The Hague quietly confident of disrupting the established order.

Led by former Australia Test opener Joe Burns, they have named Durham batter Emilio Gay and Kent all-rounder Grant Stewart in their squad, in addition to South Australia's Sheffield Shield winner Ben Manenti.

The Italians are ranked 32nd in the world in this format, behind Jersey in 27th, while Guernsey sit 10 places behind their Channel Islands rivals.

Pressure 'brings the best' out of Scots

Brad Currie took five wickets in two T20 internationals against Australia in Edinburgh last year

The recalled Currie says Scotland must hit the ground running if they are to meet expectations and qualify.

"It's a pretty cut-throat tournament, only being four games, one opportunity against each team and the amount of games you have to win," he said.

"The guys played a lot of good cricket at home and I think that's created a lot of good rhythm. So, yeah, hopefully we bring it into this tournament and we can get on the ball straight away."

The Sussex seamer insists Scotland's self-belief and experience will help them perform to the best of their abilities across the four matches.

"I always like to say that we're dictating the game, bringing our own strengths to the game," he said.

"Then it doesn't really matter who the opposition is or what their strengths are. You know, we dictate the game. And there's so many players in the squad that have been through this whole process before.

"When it really matters, the guys show up and actually it brings out the best in a lot of our players.

"I think these tournaments, when there's something on the line, it really brings the best out of us as a team."

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