SCOTLAND's cricketers could complete a remarkable turnaround by beating Ireland to lift the ICC Associate Tri-Series in Dubai tomorrow.
The Scots looked to be down and out after losing their opening two fixtures to Afghanistan and the Irish, but they grabbed a lifeline with Wednesday's 150-run revenge win over the Afghans and their chances of winning the tournament were boosted yesterday when Afghanistan beat Ireland.
Now victory for Preston Mommsen's side in the final match will see Scotland top the table on net run-rate. Coach Grant Bradburn said: "We came here to prepare for the massive challenge of playing at the World Cup next month. After a couple of months off, the guys were rusty at first but they have improved with each game and we will be looking to continue that.
"There is always intense rivalry with Ireland so we don't need any extra motivation."
Majid Haq, who became Scotland's record cap-holder in the win over Afghanistan, needs just one wicket to become the country's leading wicket-taker.
While Scotland's fortunes are looking brighter, England's World Cup preparations were hit after it was confirmed that batsman Gary Ballance had fractured a finger.
Ballance, who was recalled to the one-day squad as a replacement for dropped former captain Alastair Cook, was struck on the little finger on his right hand during fielding drills in Canberra last week. The 25-year-old will remain with the side for the ongoing Tri-Series against Australia and India and no batting cover has been added.
An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said Ballance would still be available for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, former England captain Andrew Flintoff is set to meet up with the team during practice at The Gabba today. The 37-year-old all-rounder retired after the triumphant 2009 Ashes but made a Twenty20 comeback last summer and is in Australia having earned a Big Bash contract with Brisbane Heat.
England are in town ahead of their Tri-Series clash with India on Tuesday and Flintoff is to link up with the squad at nets. The move is understood to have been instigated by head coach Peter Moores.
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