SCOTLAND will play floodlit matches against both Afghanistan and Ireland to complete their preparations for the World Cup.

The Scots head to the UAE for two ODIs each against the Afghans (January 8 and 14) and the Irish (January 12 and 19) and the second and third of those matches will be day-night encounters.

Scotland open their World Cup campaign with a series of day matches in New Zealand but conclude with two day-night affairs in Australia.

Director of cricket Andy Tennant declared: "The UAE tour is a crucial part of our planning and preparation ahead of the World Cup. Playing under lights is one element of that as our guys don't often take part in day-night matches.

"We're delighted to confirm four ODIs as it gives our squad even more exposure to competitive international cricket before the World Cup."

The selectors, who last week named a provisional 24-man World Cup squad, will announce their final 15 on January 7, meaning that the players who travel to the UAE will almost certainly be the ones who represent Scotland on cricket's global stage.