Cricket: Scots to play two ODIs against Pakistan

Cricket Scotland yesterday announced the games would be held at Citylets Grange on 17 and 19 May.

Scotland have come up against Pakistan three times previously, and captain Gordon Drummond described the fixtures as a “fantastic boost” for Scottish cricket.

He added: “We have the chance to qualify for two global ICC events in 2013, and now we find we also have the opportunity to play two top Test nations with Australia also visiting for an ODI in September.

“These matches are particularly important for the development of the current squad.

“We are all really looking to welcoming the Pakistan team to Scotland once again, and these fixtures will undoubtedly build on the already strong ties between the Pakistani/Scots community.

“It’s a fantastic platform for us to show what we are capable of, as we did with victory against Bangladesh last year – these are the sort of matches that every Scottish squad member will want to be involved in.”

Cricket Scotland said that ticket arrangements for the fixtures will be announced in due course, while chief executive Roddy Smith added: “We are delighted to have secured these two ODIs against Pakistan. Following the ICC’s additional investment in Cricket Scotland through their TAPP scheme, we committed to secure further matches against the full members.

“These games are vital to continue our progress and measure ourselves against the best in the world, and are integral to the on-field improvements desired by the ICC. We are very grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board for their support in making these games happen.”

Pakistan were Scotland’s first opponents following the elevation to ODI status in 2005. During that encounter in June 2006, prolific Scottish batsmen Neil  McCallum and Ryan Watson scored 68 and 80 respectively in a total of 203.

However, that day it wasn’t to prove enough, and after being in some trouble at 93 for 5, Mohammad Yousuf scored a match- winning 83 to give the Pakistan team victory.

The Scots’ most recent encounter against Pakistan was six years ago at the ICC 2007 T20 World Cup. The two countries also met last August during the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Australia.