Scots to start WCL campaign against Dutch

SCOTLAND will launch their World Cricket League bid against hosts Holland in July. The Scots, bidding to win the event for the first time, face their five closest associate rivals during the ten-day tournament.

Gavin Hamilton's side also face Canada, Ireland and Kenya before concluding against bogey team Afghanistan. There is no ICC prize money up for grabs but Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith said: "All these games affect our world ranking, so it is a crucial tournament. It is the first time the event has been staged in the Northern Hemisphere, so that should suit the European countries."

The Scots were runners-up to hosts Kenya in the inaugural event in 2007 but last year finished a dismal sixth in the tournament, which also acted as the qualifier for the 2011 World Cup.

World Cricket League Division One 2010 (Scotland's Schedule): 1 July: Netherlands v Scotland. 3 July: Canada v Scotland. 5 July: Ireland v Scotland. 7 July: Kenya v Scotland. 9 July: Afghanistan v Scotland. 10 July: Final and Play-offs.