Scotland head coach Owen Dawkins has expressed confidence in his team's prospects of reaching the 2027 ODI World Cup following their qualification for the World Cup Qualifier. The Scots secured a spot in the Qualifier tournament, which will be held at the start of 2027. Scotland will need to finish in the top four of that Qualifier to advance to the main World Cup event.
Dawkins took charge of the Scotland team at the end of 2025 and has overseen a period of positive results. The nation last appeared in a 50-over World Cup in 2015, making a return to the global tournament a significant objective for the current squad. Scotland has featured in only three previous editions of the World Cup across its cricket history.
"We are in a good place just now," Dawkins told Cricket Scotland, as quoted by ICC (International Cricket Council).
Dawkins backs Scotland to reach the Qualifier final stage
Dawkins emphasised the importance of ODI cricket and the significance of reaching the World Cup for Scottish cricket development. The coach believes that investment in the 50-over format remains crucial for player development and the growth of the sport globally.
"ODI cricket remains a hugely important format for the global game, and it would be a magnificent achievement if we reached the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It would represent the pinnacle for us as a group. This is a format that we need and world cricket need to continue investing in to help our players develop and to enable our sport to grow, strengthen and thrive," Dawkins said.
Individual performances have strengthened Scotland's position heading into the Qualifier. Fin McCreath scored his maiden international century during the recent tri-series, while captain Richie Berrington produced a century in the final match. Lyle Robertson made an impressive debut against Canada, taking six wickets and recording the fourth-best bowling figures in ODI cricket history. George Munsey and Brandon McMullen also made strong batting contributions during the tri-series against Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
Individual performances strengthen Scotland's prospects
Dawkins highlighted the outstanding individual displays across the recent series while emphasising that collective team performances gave him the greatest satisfaction. The coach pointed to the character shown by the squad in tight matches and their ability to secure victories in closing stages.
"There were some outstanding individual performances over the last fortnight. Fin McCreath scored his maiden international century, Richie Berrington produced a fantastic hundred in the final match, while Lyle Robertson enjoyed an amazing debut, with the fourth-best bowling figures in ODI cricket history," Dawkins said.
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Scotland moved to the top of League 2 standings during the recent tri-series, demonstrating their competitive strength. The 2027 World Cup expansion to 14 teams has created another opportunity for Scotland to reach the main event. The Qualifier determined which four teams joined the ten automatic qualifiers in the global tournament.