Scotland have moved one step closer to ending a 12-year absence from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup after securing a place in the 2027 Global Qualifier.

The qualification was earned through Scotland’s impressive campaign in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The team now needs to finish among the top four at the Global Qualifier, scheduled for early 2027, to claim a place at the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Dawkins confident after strong campaign

Head coach Owen Dawkins, who took charge at the end of last year, believes Scotland have the quality and momentum required to complete the journey.

“We are in a good place just now,” Dawkins told Cricket Scotland, as quoted by the ICC. “This series has demonstrated the character and quality within this Scotland side.”

Dawkins described qualification for the Global Qualifier as “a significant achievement” and said reaching the World Cup would represent the pinnacle for the current group. Scotland have appeared at only three editions of the 50-over tournament, with their last participation coming in 2015, when they lost all six matches in Australia and New Zealand.

Batting depth and emerging talent

Scotland’s rise has been driven by contributions across the batting order. George Munsey, Brandon McMullen and captain Richie Berrington played important roles as Scotland climbed to the top of the standings during their home tri-series against Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

McMullen has also added value with the ball, while young spinner Lyle Robertson made an immediate impact on debut against Canada by taking six wickets. Fin McCreath further strengthened Scotland’s case by scoring his maiden international century, while Berrington made a hundred in the final match of the series.

Selection competition viewed as a strength

The emergence of several players has created competition for places ahead of the Global Qualifier. Dawkins welcomed that challenge, highlighting the number of standout individual displays during the recent series.

“Two matches in the series went right down to the final few overs, while four of our last six victories have come in the closing stages of games,” Dawkins said.

The coach insisted Scotland’s late-match success was the product of skill, hard work and commitment rather than luck. He also stressed that one-day international cricket remains vital to player development and the growth of the global game.

For Scotland, the next challenge is clear: finish in the Global Qualifier’s top four and return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2015.