New coach has Scotland on track for 2027 Cricket World Cup

Scotland men’s cricket team head coach Owen Dawkins has expressed strong confidence that his team is firmly on track to break a 12-year drought and qualify for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Scotland have played in only 3 editions of the 50-over World Cup. Their last appearance came in 2015, when they went without a win in 6 matches across Australia and New Zealand.

However, Scotland have already secured a place in next year’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier after a strong run in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. They are now just one step away from playing in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year.

Scotland One Step Away from World Cup

Scotland need to finish in the top 4 at the Qualifier in early 2027 to reach the World Cup. Dawkins, who took charge as head coach at the end of last year, believes there is no reason his side cannot make it.
“We are in a good place just now. This series has shown the character and quality in this Scotland team. Qualifying for the Global Qualifier is a big achievement, and everyone involved can be proud of how far we have come,” Dawkins stated.

He added, “ODI cricket is still very important for the global game, and reaching the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia would be a huge achievement. It would be the biggest moment for us as a group. This format matters, and world cricket needs to keep supporting it so our players can improve and the sport can continue to grow and become stronger.”

Scotland’s Batting Unit Leads the Way

Scotland’s strong run in League 2 has largely been driven by their batting unit. Left-hander George Munsey, all-rounder Brandon McMullen and captain Richie Berrington have all made useful contributions as Scotland moved to the top of the table during a recent home tri-series against Canada and the UAE.

McMullen has also been a regular wicket-taker for Scotland throughout the League 2 campaign, while young spinner Lyle Robertson caught the eye with 6 wickets on his ODI debut against Canada.
That has created plenty of competition for places in Scotland’s strongest XI, and Dawkins is happy to have difficult selection decisions ahead of next year’s Qualifier.

Dawkins Praises Scotland’s Team Effort

“There were some excellent individual displays over the last 2 weeks. Fin McCreath scored his first international century, Richie Berrington made a superb hundred in the final game, while Lyle Robertson had an outstanding debut, recording the fourth-best bowling figures in ODI cricket history,” Dawkins said.

He continued, “But it is the team’s performances that make me happiest. 2 matches in the series went down to the final few overs, while 4 of our last 6 wins have come in the closing stages.”
Dawkins stressed that Scotland’s recent results have come through ability, effort and commitment.
“That success is not down to luck. It comes from the skill within the squad, along with the hard work, commitment and dedication of everyone involved.

It also shows the quality work of the coaching and support staff, who have helped the players become clearer with their plans, improve their fitness, become stronger and stay in games long enough to win those close contests,” he concluded.

With a revitalized squad and a strategic focus on close-contest composure, Scotland is firmly positioned to convert their League 2 momentum into a 2027 World Cup qualification. The team’s blend of batting depth, emerging talent, and tactical discipline under new leadership appears primed to end a twelve-year absence from the tournament.

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