Do-or-die clash against UAE is Scotland’s last chance to grab World Cup spot

Scotland face one of their most important games in years today when they take on hosts UAE in a sudden-death qualification clash for next year’s T20 World Cup.

The match is their final chance to clinch the last of the six places on offer at the global showpiece after they could only finish fourth in their group in the roundrobin stage.

Kyle Coetzer’s men had been strongly fancied to win their seven-team pool but defeats by Singapore, Namibia and the Netherlands mean nerves will be jangling when they line up in Dubai.

And while UAE, coached by former Scotland all-rounder Dougie Brown, may be smarting following a heavy defeat by the Dutch yesterday, they can take heart from having beaten the Scots in a warm-up game just a fortnight ago.

Scotland coach Shane Burger, pictured, believes UAE will be even tougher opponents following yesterday’s loss but is backing his men to rise to the challenge. He said: “We have a determined and an experienced group of players that want to showcase their skills on a world stage.

“The tournament has tested us in various departments but we have an opportunity to qualify for a World Cup.

“We will not need any more motivation than there already is. UAE will be tough opponents and after their loss today become even more dangerous than before. It should be a tough encounter but one we are ready for.”

Failure to reach the World Cup would be a massive setback for the Scots, who went into the qualifiers as the highest ranked team in the tournament. However, victory today would see them secure a place among the game’s elite nations at next year’s World Cup in Australia.

Burger must decide whether to hand a first tournament start to Grange star Dylan Budge who joined the squad at the weekend as replacement for broken foot victim Oli Hairs.

There is also a doubt over left-arm spinner Hamza Tahir who missed Sunday’s defeat by Holland through injury.