It has been a substantial last year for the associate sides. Ireland and Afghanistan have been granted Test playing status whereas teams like Scotland who have thoroughly impressed are still in the slogging stage. In the recently held one-off ODI against England, the Scots performed like champions posting a mammoth 371 runs in 50 overs and eventually winning by 6 runs.
This astounding performance will give them immense confidence and thoroughly help them as they take on Pakistan on Tuesday. The unpredictable Sarfraz Ahmed and Co are scheduled to play two T20s against Scotland. Adapting to new conditions won’t be a problem for the visitors as they have been playing in similar conditions since last one month.
Pakistan is the No 1 T20 side in the world. They will miss services of the classy Babar Azam who is out with an injury. Haris Sohail joins the side in his place. With overcast conditions predicted for today’s match it will favour the intriguing bowling attack of Pakistan. It will be a brute contest between bat and ball. Calum Macleod and George Munsey were flawless in the ODI against England and if they can upkeep that show, it will be a cakewalk for them.
The status and position of associate sides is highly debatable. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar expressed similar views after Scotland’s maiden victory over England. He states that World Cup should feature more teams like Scotland and Afghanistan who have proved their mettle in the recent past.
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