West Indies stand in way of World Cup place for Coetzer’s Scots

Saltires captain Coetzer insists Scots will ‘embrace occasion’

Scotland are “ready to embrace the occasion” as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier decider against West Indies.

The Saltires will qualify for next year’s World Cup if they can see off the Windies in Harare today and qualify for the finals.

Jason Holder’s side beat Zimbabwe on Monday to put themselves top of the Super Six table on six points, but a win for Scotland in their final match would see them leapfrog their opponents and seal a place in one of the top two spots that will seal qualification for next year’s tournament in England.

Scotland go into the match on the back of their first defeat, coming against Ireland on Sunday, but captain Kyle Coetzer is ready for the decisive tie.

“The guys are ready to embrace the occasion and the big day,” he said.

“It’s nothing to be afraid of and we can’t wait.”

He added: “There will be a few nerves later tonight and in the morning, but that is fine, nerves are good and show that you care.

“It means that you want to be there and performing for your team and for your country.

“It is massive and we don’t get the opportunity to play a Test match nation very often and here is one staring us in the face.

“It is an exciting game for us and everyone back home, but we are relishing the challenge and can’t wait to get on the park.”

One of the main obstacles facing Coetzer and his Scotland side is the presence of Chris Gayle at the top of the order.

The big-hitter returned to international action last summer with the intention of helping the West Indies qualify for next year’s tournament and has shown glimpses of his best in qualifying with a 91-ball 123 – which included 11 sixes – against the UAE.

He will be partnered by Evin Lewis who is quickly making a name for himself for a similarly aggressive approach, and Coetzer is aware of the threats the duo pose.

He said: “We know they have a couple of key men at the top of the order and if they get going they can be an extremely dangerous side.”