T20 World Cup: Scotland coach Shane Burger urges side to 'inspire a nation' by reaching Super 12

Scotland head coach Shane Burger believes his in-form side can “inspire a nation” by qualifying for the second round of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup for the first time. The Saltires have won their first two games at the tournament. The first triumph was a six-run victory over Bangladesh on Sunday, followed by a 17-run win over debutants Papua New Guinea on Tuesday. Another triumph against Oman will secure progression to the Super 12 stage. While they will have qualified even in the case of a win for Papua New Guinea against Bangladesh, the same seems highly unlikely.

If Bangladesh emerge victorious with a defeat for Scotland against Oman, all three sides will be left tied on four points. The two qualifiers from Group B will be decided on net run-rate.

“It’s huge for Scottish cricket, this has the ability to inspire a nation”

“It’s huge for Scottish cricket, this has the ability to inspire a nation. To be the first Scottish team to create this history, to do something we’ve never done before, is something in the back of every player’s mind and every one of the support staff,” said Burger.

“To leave a legacy of being the first Scottish side to do that is certainly a motivation. It’s amazing, the ability sport has to pull a nation together, to allow people to dream. That’s something I’ve mentioned to this group: we’re allowed to dream, we’re allowed to go out and do unrealistic things. We know what’s on the line. All the players know. We’ve prepared for it, we’ve spoken about it and if there’s any team that understands about a must-win game, it’s a team like Scotland. We often go into competitions knowing every game is must-win. We spoke about topping the group before we arrived here, we planned for it and it wouldn’t surprise me if we did that. The mindset is there and the belief is there,” he added.

“Just need to keep this momentum going”

Scotland were eliminated in round one of the T20 World Cup in 2007, 2009 and 2016. However, captain Kyle Coetzer is optimistic about a positive turn of events.

“I certainly would have taken this before the first game of the tournament, so I am very happy and now we just need to keep this momentum going.”

“Players believe in Kyle Coetzer”

While Coetzer was dismissed cheaply against Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea, Burger expects him to come good with the bat.

“I’ve no doubt Kyle is one day, one performance away from really nailing his form. He’s in the form of his life in the nets, he’s just got to take it into the match. As a leader he is inspiring, he brings a sense of calm and tactically he has got a lot right in the last couple of matches. The players believe in what he wants to do and I can’t think of anyone who deserves success more than him,” stated Burger.

It will be interesting to see if Scotland manage to pull off a fine achievement.