Scotland and Ireland through to 2024 T20 World Cup, sides meet on Friday to decide tournament winner

Ireland and Scotland have both qualified for next year's T20 World Cup after their respective matches on Friday.

Scotland were playing their fifth of six matches in the regional final for the 2024 tournament, this time against Denmark.

Bad weather threatened the match and the start was delayed until 11.30am, with overs reduced to 18 for each side, and the Scots batted first in their attempt to make it five straight wins.

Captain Richie Berrington hit 60 for the best score for either side, as his team posted 159-7.

Denmark fell well short of the target in response, posting 126-7 from their allotment of overs, and Scotland now top the group.

After the match, Berrington said: "I'm feeling pretty good right now. That was the goal at the start of the tournament, so delighted for this group of players. It's really well deserved for the work and performances we've put in consistently.

"I'm extremely proud and one we'll enjoy. It would be nice to finish tomorrow with a big win against Ireland.

"It wasn't an easy wicket. Credit to Denmark, they bowled well and it was effective. I gave myself a chance to get in, those first few balls. Brando keeps you on your toes, running between the wicket.

"It's one we're looking forward to. Scotland v Ireland is always a good battle and we've had some close games in recent times."

Ireland had their place at next year's tournament confirmed after their qualifier with Germany was cancelled because of overnight rain in Edinburgh.

The match was scored a draw as a result, and the point earned means that they are guaranteed to finish in the top two.

They had been expected to qualify after already beating Italy, Denmark and Jersey.

Ireland will play Scotland on Friday to decide the winner of the competition.

"While it's true that we'd rather have achieved qualification on the field today, we're delighted to have achieved our primary objective of qualifying for next year's T20 World Cup," said Ireland captain Paul Stirling after the win.

"We came to Scotland with a clear plan and style of play we wanted to implement, and I think we delivered on that front.

"So, we'll celebrate [the] job done this afternoon, but there is a trophy on the line tomorrow and we are keen to continue that winning momentum going into the India T20 series next month."

Ireland qualified for the Super 12 at the T20 World Cup in 2022, and recorded a win over England, though lost to Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.

The 2024 edition will be held in the West Indies and the United States.

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