World Cup build-up gathers pace with Scotland clash

IRELAND’S build-up to the World Cup gathers pace today when the national side face Scotland in their opening match of the inaugural World Cricket League in Nairobi.

The six-nation round-robin tournament has been intelligently scheduled by the ICC to give the non-Test playing countries the best possible preparation ahead of the sport’s showpiece event that gets underway in Jamaica in March.

Such is Ireland’s reputation at this associate level, the team coached by Adi Birrell are favourites to reach next Wednesday’s final and, in doing so, also qualify for international crickets first 20 competition to be held in South Africa this autumn.