Hoffmann backing Scots to take on the world and win

PAUL Hoffmann has backed his former Scotland team-mates to "go all the way" in their World Cricket League campaign.

The Scots kick-off their bid for glory today against hosts the Netherlands, and paceman Hoffmann believes they have completed their transition process and are ready to challenge for honours again.

Hoffmann branded Gordon Drummond's men favourites for the showdown with the Dutch in Amstelveen, but he hopes they can win without the nerves and tension that went with their last win against them in the competition two years ago in Kenya.

He explained: "The Netherlands were cruising when I came on to bowl the last over - they only needed four with three wickets in hand. I had played pretty poorly earlier in the match, so only one result seemed on the cards. They scampered a single, then a managed to induce a catch next ball.

"Their next batsman was run out off his first delivery - and we snatched the success when I clean-bowled Edgar Schifferlei immediately afterwards. It was one of the most amazing endings to a match I have ever experienced, but it wasn't good for the old ticker."

Hoffmann added: "I am backing Scotland not only to beat the Dutch, but make it to the final...and win it. The squad has a very balanced look to it and the guys will be confident in the wake of their tremendous victory over India A last week.

"Richie Berrington is emerging as the most accomplished batsman of this generation and while the bowlers may lack out-and-out pace, in Gordy Drummond and Matty Parker we have guys who can keep the pressure on and keep things tight when necessary - as well as being able to snap up crucial wickets."

One of the other bright young stars, Ollie Hairs, is unlikely to figure in today's tussle. He linked up with the squad at their base in The Hague late last night after completing his school exams in Edinburgh.

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Scotland Team (from): Gordon Drummond (captain), Richie Berrington, Ewan Chalmers, Ollie Hairs, Gordon Goudie, Moneeb Iqbal, Omer Hussain, Neil Laidlaw, Douglas Lockhart, Ross Lyons, Neil McCallum, Gregor Maiden, Preston Mommsen, Matthew Parker, Fraser Watts.