Scotland head coach Owen Dawkins believes his side can approach next year’s World Cup Qualifier with renewed confidence after finishing their three-year ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign in impressive fashion.

The Scots signed off by thrashing Canada by 170 runs to move to the top of the table, with captain Richie Berrington scoring a magnificent century and debutant spinner Lyle Robertson claiming six wickets. Their four-match home series against Canada and the UAE yielded seven points from a possible eight, with only a washout against UAE preventing a clean sweep.

For Dawkins, who has been in charge for nine months, the encouraging aspect has been the blend of established performers such as Berrington and wicketkeeper Matthew Cross with a growing group of players pushing hard for places.

“I feel very privileged to have been part of the journey that has led us to reaching the ICC Global Qualifier,” said Dawkins.

“There were some outstanding individual performances. Fin McCreath scored his maiden international century, Richie Berrington produced a fantastic hundred in the final match, while Lyle Robertson enjoyed an amazing debut recording the fourth best bowling figures in ODI history.”

Yet Dawkins believes Scotland’s recent progress has been about much more than individual brilliance.

Four of their last six victories have been secured in the closing stages, something he attributes to increased fitness, clearer thinking and the ability to remain composed when matches are delicately balanced.

“That success is not down to luck, but from the skill levels within the squad, backed up by hard work, commitment and dedication,” he said.

Dynamic fielding has also become an important part of the Scottish approach, with Dawkins highlighting substitute Ollie Jones’ crucial run-out against Canada as an example of the small moments which can decide tight contests.

Scotland must now wait for the draw for the Global Qualifier, where four World Cup places will be available against a field including Full Member nations and the leading Associate sides.

Qualification would take Scotland back to the game’s premier 50-over tournament for the first time in 12 years following two agonising near misses.

“We are in a good place just now,” said Dawkins. “This series has demonstrated the character and quality within this Scotland side.”

He also remains a passionate advocate for the 50-over format.

“ODI cricket remains hugely important for the global game,” he said. “It would be a magnificent achievement if we reached the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It would represent the pinnacle for us as a group.”