Safyaan Sarif can see a passage to India. Having represented Scotland on the sub-continent at the 2016 T20 World Cup, a chance to return now presented itself.
The International Cricket Council [ICC] has rarely been a friend to the smaller, associate nations, shrinking the 50-over World Cup from 14 to 10 teams for the 2019 and 2013 editions. Scotland still came agonisingly close to upsetting their odds four years ago and will be hoping that they can again punch above their weight to claim one of the two final places up for grabs this year at the qualifier in June and July. Finishing in the top three of World Cricket League 2 – they conclude their fixtures this week in Nepal – has taken them a step closer to achieving that goal.
As well as being part of that 2016 adventure, Sharif is one of five surviving members of the squad that last played at a 50-over World Cup in 2015. He knows Scotland will be up against it given the strength of the opposition they will face but the fast bowler knows it is all up for grabs over three exciting weeks of cricket in Zimbabwe.
“We’d all love to play at a 50-over World Cup if we could make it through,” said the man who took arguably the most famous wicket in Scottish cricket history when he trapped England’s Mark Wood lbw back in 2018.
“We want to get back to that big stage. But it’s going to be a very tough tournament compared to the one we had in 2018 also in Zimbabwe. There are a lot of really strong teams in there this year.
“It’s going to be one helluva ride. We just have to compete the best we can and hopefully fulfil our potential. At the end of the day anyone can win a game of cricket. Things can turn a lot even in the space of one over.
“We’ll look to be aggressive and hopefully get to that World Cup in India. We’d love to be a part of that if we can. I’m lucky enough to have played in four World Cups so far in my career and I’d love to help some of the others get to experience a 50-over one too if we can as it’s been a few years now since we played on that stage. We have to do the hard work to get rewarded.”
The chances of reaching a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup look more favourable, especially with Scotland having home advantage for the European qualifier that takes place in Edinburgh not long after the group returns from Zimbabwe.
“T20 is probably the funniest format of cricket as anything can happen but we’re glad we have these games at home,” added Sharif. “We’ll be familiar with the conditions and the surroundings so we’ve got that advantage in our favour.
“It’s very exciting for Cricket Scotland and as a nation as a whole to get the chance to host a tournament like this. We’ve had great success in the T20 format in recent years, getting out the group in 2021 and then beating West Indies last year, although we were disappointed how the two games after that one went.
“We just want to find that consistency when it comes to beating the bigger teams. We wanted to get back to the Super 12s last year but didn’t take that opportunity. So we need to qualify this summer and then give it another go next year at the finals to show we deserve the chance to play against the bigger nations.”
Little wonder that, with the prospect of appearing at two World Cups in the next 16 months on the horizon, Sharif has given no thought yet to when he might eventually hang up the spikes.
“At the moment I’ve not really been thinking about that. I just want to stay fit as long as possible and keep performing as that’s my job. There might come a time when I decide to call it a day but for now I’m just excited for the next few years and seeing how things go.
“As long as I’m fit and healthy and playing well I’d want to keep playing. I’ve always been honest with myself and others and that’s a strength of mine. Every time I want to contribute to the team and keep performing.”
New experiences are always around the corner including a first chance to play in Nepal when Scotland take on the hosts and Namibia this week.
“I’d heard it was a great country to visit,” added Sharif. “Cricket is one of the main sports here so the crowds are expected to be pretty crazy. I’m looking forward to it.”
