Cricket: Drummond admits Scots dire in Dubai

SCOTLAND cricket vice-captain Gordon Drummond refused to make excuses today for his side's untimely exit from the World Twenty20 qualifiers in Dubai.

A 37-run defeat to Ireland in their final group game last night saw Gavin Hamilton's men finish winless as the Irish joined Afghanistan, the Netherlands and the UAE in the Super 4 stages which began this morning.

Drummond was despondent at the performance, despite scoring 35 priceless runs as his side achieved some respectability after slipping to six for four wickets at one stage. And he is certain where the improvements must be achieved before the domestic campaign gets under way.

"We're honest and we haven't performed to the best of our ability," said the Carlton star.

"There are definite improvements to be made. In one sense, we've had a run-out and we can now hit the round running come May. We want to move forward and keep looking to do better in the Pro 40."

Tomorrow's Super 4 games pit Ireland against the Dutch and the UAE with the Afghans with two of the quarter-finalists earning a place in the final – and with it a spot in the West Indies in April.