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Scots upbeat on World Cup chances
29 March 2009, 5:09 pm



Scots upbeat on World Cup chances



Watson is happy with Scotland's preparations in South Africa

Skipper Ryan Watson insists Scotland are going into the World Cup qualifiers in confident mood.

The campaign to reach the 2011 event in South Africa begins on Wednesday, with Ireland the first opponents.

"We've had three warm-up games in Pretoria, with two wins and a loss," Watson told Cricket Scotland prior to a final friendly defeat to Kenya.

"While wins breed confidence, it's key that everyone gets an opportunity, and we've been able to do that."

Scotland added a comprehensive 100-run victory over a TUKS Academy XI to a six-wicket triumph over TUKS CC, while they lost out to Gauteng Lions.

On Sunday they were squeezed out by sevens runs to Kenya, chasing a total of 243 for 9.

"I thought we made the transition from indoors pretty well, and adjusted pretty quickly," added Watson, who made just five runs against the Kenyans.

"It's been ideal in that we've played on two fast bouncy pitches, and then a low and slow one, so we've had experience of the different conditions we're likely to encounter over the next two or three weeks."

"On the bowling front all the guys have bowled well in two or three spells and have hit their straps, but there hasn't been one stand out bowler thus far.

"On the batting side both Colin Smith and Neil McCallum have been firing, and I expect both to play a massive part in this tournament for us. Colin in particular has been really going through the gears, scoring at a run a ball from the start."

McCallum continued his fine form on Sunday, top-scoring with 70 from 63 balls, while Gavin Hamilton hit 52 and Craig Wright was not out on 47.

Wright also claimed three wickets, with Warwickshire's Calum MacLeod matching that figure.

Of the 12 teams competing in South Africa, the top four will qualify for the World Cup in 2011 - while the top six will secure themselves full one-day international status until 2013.

The top six will also receive automatic entry into the ICC Intercontinental Cup for 2009/10.

Scotland, who won the final of the 2005 tournament, then known as the ICC Trophy, are in Group A, along with Ireland, Canada, Oman, Namibia and U*a.



Source: BBC Sport | Cricket | World Edition