The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 returns with a crucial tri-series in Windhoek, where Scotland arrive not just as contenders but as a side with genuine ambitions of climbing to the summit.
In what promises to be another exhilarating set of CWCL2 fixtures, the new facility at world class FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek will host the matches.
Currently second on the table, Scotland head into the Namibia leg knowing a strong showing could see them overtake leaders USA. With the race for the top four, and direct entry into the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, tightening, there is little margin for error.
Both Oman and Namibia pose distinct challenges.
Oman, currently fourth, are firmly in the qualification race and boast one of the most potent bowling attacks in the competition. Their success has been driven by left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed, who has been among the leading wicket-takers this cycle and will look to control the middle overs against Scotland’s aggressive batting.
Namibia, meanwhile, will rely on their own spin spearhead Bernard Scholtz, whose consistency and control have made him one of the most effective bowlers in the tournament. Alongside a developing pace unit, he forms the backbone of a bowling attack capable of troubling even the in-form Scots.
Scotland’s campaign so far has been defined by consistency and match-winning individual brilliance. At the heart of it all is George Munsey. He is the top scorer of the tournament so far and has played like a man-possessed with 1037 runs in 17 innings with a staggering average of 64.81, he will look to continue his record breaking season in the four fixtures between 2-12 April.
Munsey is far from alone. Brandon McMullen and captain Richie Berrington have provided solidity and experience, forming one of the most reliable top orders in the competition. The trio were central to Scotland posting a record 380/9 earlier in the cycle, giving a reminder of the their capabilities when everything clicks.
In what will be a noticeable absentee, the top wicket-taker for Scotland in this edition, Brad Currie is set to miss out due to illness. Currie has taken 32 wickets over this cycle with the best bowling strike-rate of any bowler (10 wickets or more) at 20.03 and an impressive economy rate of 3.83.
With six matches of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 to take place in Kirtipur, Nepal, postponed because of the military conflict in West Asia, there is still no clarity about how the table will be settled if those fixtures are not played, leaving no room for error as every point counts for Scotland as they drive forward in their aim for returning to this ground for the marquee tournament, aiming to secure a top four finish which gets them to the CWC Qualifier.
Scotland’s ICC CWCL2 schedule
2 April - Scotland vs Oman, Windhoek
6 April - Scotland vs Namibia, Windhoek
8 April - Scotland vs Oman, Windhoek
12 April - Scotland vs Namibia, Windhoek
