Sports

Scotland spinner Mark Wat

Scotland spinner Mark Watt last played in India almost ten years ago during the 2016 T20 World Cup. At that time, everything happened very fast. This time, he wants to slow down and enjoy the experience.

Recently, Scotland’s players thought they would miss this World Cup after a poor week at the Europe Qualifier. They were ready to watch the tournament from home. But after Bangladesh withdrew, Scotland got a second chance. Now, they want to make the most of it and prove they deserve to be here.

Watt said the team feels very excited, especially since everything came together only in the last 10 days. Scotland believe their place in the tournament is not just luck. They have beaten West Indies twice in recent years — once in the 2022 T20 World Cup and again in an ODI in 2023. These wins give them confidence.

Watt said Scotland had one bad month in the qualifiers but still believes they belong at the World Cup. He also said other teams will not take Scotland lightly, as they have caused surprises before. Their match against England in the last World Cup started well but was washed out by rain.

Because Scotland joined late, other teams may not have much recent data on their younger players. Watt joked that analysts might even have to look at club cricket matches to study them.

The playing conditions could also suit Scotland. Kolkata’s pitch is similar to the one in Edinburgh, with a good outfield and little help for bowlers who repeat the same deliveries. Mumbai, where Scotland play Nepal, usually helps fast bowlers too.

Watt said bowling in these conditions requires creativity, as flat pitches can punish predictable bowling.

Looking ahead, Watt said playing in big tournaments is important for growing cricket in Scotland. For now, though, he just wants to enjoy playing a World Cup in India.

He said Scotland want to beat big teams and inspire young kids back home to see cricket as a real career. Even tiring travel days feel special because playing in a World Cup in a cricket-loving country is a rare and amazing experience.