PLAYER WATCH:

George Munsey (Scotland)

Coming off a solid 86 against Ireland in Scotland’s second warm-up game leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, Munsey would be the man to watch in the tournament. A left-handed opening batsman, he added to his reputation of being one of the most explosive in the game when he smashed the second fastest T20I hundred (off 41 balls) ever against Netherlands earlier this year.

Ryan ten Doeschate (Netherlands)

A T20 veteran, ten Doeschate will have to play a pivotal role if Netherlands are to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia. Named ICC Associate Player of the Year on a record three occasions, in 2008, 2010, and 2011, TenDo, as he is referred to, will be the fulcrum that the Dutch middle order revolves around. No mug with the ball, he has scalped 13 wickets at an average of 18 in T20 Internationals.

Paul Stirling (Ireland)

Swashbuckling Irish opener – Stirling has starred many a time in previous editions of the event, most notably in the final of the 2012 final when he stuck 79 off just 38 balls as Ireland beat Afghanistan to qualify for the next T20 World Cup. This time around too, his team would rely heavily on him and his new partner at the top of the order – Kevin O’Brien to provide the team with explosive starts.

Ahmed Raza (UAE)

The left-arm orthodox spinner who has been appointed captain for the hosts for this tournament is a experienced and wily practitioner of the good old art of stifling the runs in the middle overs. Having played 28 T20Is, he has claimed 14 wickets at a very impressive economy rate of 6.78.