TO say Scotland face an uphill task during the World Twenty20 would be an understatement – but skipper Gavin Hamilton believes the nature of the game can play into their hands.
Scotland were one of 12 teams to reach the inaugural World Twenty20 competition in South Africa two years ago but have endured peaks and troughs ever since.
The Saltires booked their place in this year's showpiece by the skin of their teeth – fini
shing third during the qualifying event in Belfast last summer with only Zimbabwe's decision to pull out seeing them progress.
Scotland's Twenty20 preparations couldn't have been any worse and after failing to book a place at the 2011 World Cup during the qualifying tournament in South Africa the changes were rung. Out went skipper Ryan Watson and in came Hamilton just one game into their Friends Provident Trophy campaign following a heavy defeat to Middlesex at Lord's.
The Scots picked up one win from their eight-game campaign and enter the World Twenty20 having beaten just a PCA Masters select XI behind closed doors and none of the established nations.
Hamilton and Co. first face beaten semi-finalists of two years ago New Zealand before taking on South Africa – who missed out on a place in the last four in 1997 only on run rate.
Scotland played just one game two years ago, losing to Pakistan before their clash with India was washed out – but Hamilton hasn't ruled out an upset as they prepare for the back-to-back games at the Oval. "I think we are all realistic going into the competition about our chances of actually winning games," said Hamilton.
"But I think you have to take the format of the game into account – if ever there is a game to win it is Twenty20.
"We are looking to cover all options and whatever comes our way we should be well equipped to deal with – with the types of players and characters we have got on board.
"The nature of the game means that everyone needs to be able to bat and bowl – bar maybe one or two guys. You probably go through the motions a little during other tournaments trying to find your feet.
"But with Twenty20 – you have to say this is how we are going to have to play if we want to win. And, if we had won just one game last year, we would have qualified for the next round.
"But you can't rely on what-ifs or what didn't happen, you have to learn from it and move on. I have played a bit of Twenty20 – it was a learning curve at first and a bit of a laugh at time but the way it is has developed means it has to be taken seriously."
Tomorrow's opponents New Zealand head to the Oval having triumphed over last year's winners and tournament favourites India but having slumped to rivals Australia 24 hours later.
However, South Africa remain unbeaten having seen off Pakistan and Sri Lanka and despite their failure to reach the semi-finals two years ago are considered Scotland's toughest opponents.
The Proteas of South Africa and Kiwis from New Zealand are brimming with world-class talent, unlike Scotland, who have just three players currently plying their trade in the English county set-up.
Batsman Kyle Coetzer has made the most progress, having tasted success with Durham but Warwickshire duo Calum MacLeod and Navdeep Poonia are young and enthusiastic.
Poonia has 13 first-class caps and made nine Twenty20 appearances for the Bears and is relishing the chance to put himself in the shop window against New Zealand and South Africa.
"On a personal level I think you have to look forward to playing in big competitions against the big names," said Poonia.
"It is a great opportunity to make a name for yourself and now as a team we have the chance we have to try and make the most of it. It is an exciting opportunity. I can't wait.
"If we play without worrying about the other teams we will be all right. You have to be calm and composed and remember that this is the stage you want to be one – playing against the best out there."
Scotland's Group D opponentsNEW ZEALANDTomorrow 10am, The Oval
• THE KIWIS' campaign will hinge on two factors – Brendon McCullum at the top of the order and skipper Daniel Vettori's wily left-arm spin. Reaching the semi-finals two years ago was no fluke and, with big-hitting Ross Taylor fresh from an impressive IPL campaign with the Bangalore Royal Challengers, New Zealand are a good outside bet for the championship.
Danger Man: Ross Taylor
SOUTH AFRICASunday, 1.30pm, The Oval
• THERE is no shortage of brute force in the South Africa squad with Graeme Smith having recovered from elbow trouble and Albie Morkel having smashed the biggest six of the tournament two years ago. Not many people will have heard of Yusuf Abdulla but he impressed in the IPL and ended up one of the leading wicket-takers.
Danger Man: Herschelle Gibbs
