Scotland count cost of missing T20 World Cup

Scotland's batters failed to fire at the qualifier event at The Hague

Scotland's chances of reaching a fifth successive T20 World Cup were extinguished by Jersey.

As headlines go, it looks highly embarrassing.

And as it turned out, the dramatic final-ball loss just added another layer of ignominy since victory over the part-time Channel Islanders would not have been enough anyway.

Having been the highest ranked side in the five-team European qualifier in the Netherlands, Scotland finished fourth with a negative run-rate.

This time two years ago, the Scots skooshed through as qualifying hosts, winning all six matches in Edinburgh.

On reaching the 2024 T20 World Cup, they equipped themselves well, beating Namibia and Oman and running Australia close after rain interrupted what was a very promising start against England in the Caribbean.

So what went wrong this time?

Scotland have taken down West Indies and Bangladesh at previous T20 World Cups but in The Hague they managed just one win - against the Dutch - losing to Italy, while their opener against Guernsey was washed out.

"We haven't played well at this tournament," admitted head coach Doug Watson. "It's been pretty frustrating.

"I know the guys are all disappointed with the performance.

"We'll have some quiet time now and reflect - and come back stronger."

In their three matches, Scotland's highest score was 155-5 - which came in the defeat to Italy, who are going to their first global tournament.

The Italians lost by 155 runs to Scotland in the 2023 qualifier but have added some handy Australians to their squad since.

Brandon McMullen was a rising star two years ago but had an average of six from his three innings in the Netherlands. Brad Currie announced his arrival on the international scene at the Edinburgh qualifier with 12 wickets. He took two this time.

Scotland prepared with a tri-series in Glasgow last month, playing the Dutch and Nepal twice each, while there were warm-up games against Jersey and Italy in the Netherlands, both of which were won.

But Scotland just don't play enough of the format, with three bruising home defeats to Australia their only other action since the last T20 World Cup.

Lack of fixtures and quality opponents is a familiar refrain for all associate nations though.

What are Scotland missing at T20 World Cup?

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 so important.

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 did not feature at the qualifier - to play, thus strengthening their squad.

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

In associate cricket, where money is tight at the best of times, missing an opportunity like this to boost the coffers will hurt.