Scotland’s Burger relishes Oman challenge as they eye Super 12 spot
Coach says huge game for Associate cricket, not just for Scottish cricket
Scotland are within touching distance of a coveted spot in the T20 World Cup Super 12s after two wins on the bounce in qualifying in Oman, but they are not yet there and it could all be ripped away if results go against them today.
A win over Oman and they are on their way, but lose and Scotland will need to look at run rates or hope PNG pull off a massive upset in the day’s other match against Bangladesh.
This is what is at stake for coach Shane Burger’s men going into the clash at 6pm, by which time they will know the result of the other concluding game in their group.
“The magnitude of the game is massive in terms of bigger picture, not just of Scottish cricket but Associate cricket,” Burger said.
Closing the gap
“There have been many Associates that have shown in this World Cup that they’re closing the gap. The brand of cricket they’ve played is an exciting one for the world to see. In terms of us, we know what’s on the line, all players know what’s on the line. We’ve prepared for it, spoken about it.
“If there’s any team that understands this is a must win game, it’s probably Scotland, who often go into competitions knowing every game is mustwin game.
“The mindset and the belief is there among the group. So it’s huge for Scottish cricket. Also, it has the ability to inspire the nation and to be the first Scottish team to create history, and do something we’ve never done before. It’s on the back of every player and the support staff’s mind.
“So to leave the legacy of being the first Scottish team to do that is certainly a motivation of ours, and to inspire all those young cricketers, not only in Scotland but around the world, to take up the game and play a brand of cricket that Scotland plays is ultimate the goal we want to be achieving.”