Scotland ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tournament Preview & Guide
World Cup History: Scotland has played eight matches in the tournament in the 1999 and 2007 editions. It will be looking to register its first World Cup win this year.
Key Match: Scotland v Afghanistan, February 26, Dunedin
Scotland's first match of the World Cup 2015 is against co-host New Zealand at the University Oval in Dunedin – a fixture for which all tickets have been sold out. Its second match is against England six days later.
But Mommsen's side would be eagerly looking forward to the contest against Afghanistan, a familiar opponent, in the third group stage match. In the last two encounters between the sides – both in the Dubai tri-series in January – Afghanistan won the first by eight wickets before Scotland fought back with a dominating 150-run victory in the second.
Quotes:
“The tournament is an opportunity to get on the map. You’re trying to bring the next generation through and give them something to aspire to and everyone is looking to make progress. Scotland’s fielding is world class and it’s an area where we should shine.” – Paul Collingwood, member of Scotland coaching staff
"Scotland hasn't won a game in a World Cup before so that's something we're targeting. The team have set out the goal over the next few years to become the best-ever Scottish team so putting in some good performances and getting a couple of wins would set us on the way to achieving that goal." – Craig Wright, member of Scotland coaching staff
Preston Mommsen (capt), Richie Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross (wk), Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.
Feb 17: v New Zealand, University Oval, Dunedin
Feb 23: v England, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Feb 26: v Afghanistan, University Oval, Dunedin
Mar 5: v Bangladesh, Saxton Oval, Nelson
Mar 11: v Sri Lanka, Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Mar 14: v Australia, Bellerive Oval, Hobart