DOUG WATSON: "WE KNOW WHAT AN IMPORTANT SERIES THIS IS."

Scotland's Men return to ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWCL2) action on Friday evening, when they take on the USA in Dallas.

 

That fixture kick-starts an important two weeks for the Scots, who face their hosts and Nepal across four One Day Internationals, looking to build on a successful, unbeaten, CWCL2 series at home earlier this year.

 

Scotland were impressive against Namibia and Oman at Forfarshire in July, with only the rain preventing a clean-sweep of four victories.

 

Doug Watson's side now sit fifth in the CWCL2 points table, with the top four qualifying for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, but have played the joint-fewest games alongside the UAE, and a successful trip to Dallas would solidify Scotland's position in the all-important top four.

 

Looking ahead to the series, Scotland Men's Head Coach Doug Watson said: "It's great to have the guys back together again, and it's nice to see some fresh faces in the squad.

 

Andy (Umeed) batted beautifully yesterday [against USA A], and it really was a fantastic knock. I was pretty sad to retire him on 100, but we felt it was best to get our other batters in and having a hit, and it was really good to see them get time out in the middle. They all look in good touch, which is a real positive.

 

"It's been a really good week of prep so far, and as I said earlier, to have everyone together, working hard out in the sun and outdoors is awesome, and I think we've put in some really good work out here so far."

 

 

This will be the first time Scotland face both Nepal and the USA in this CWCL2 cycle, but for Watson the focus is on making sure his side play their best cricket.

 

"We know what an important series this is, from a results perspective, so it's important we focus on doing the basics really well, and making sure we nail them.

 

"Both Nepal and the USA are really good teams, and they have some outstanding players, but I think our guys are pretty focused on ourselves, doing what we do well, and they're all excited to be back out there, and looking forward to representing Scotland again."

 

Watch Scotland take on the USA on Friday 25 October, from 16:30 BST, live on ICC.TV.