Scotland face an uphill task if they are to reach next year’s World Twenty20 after been drawn against British rivals Ireland in the qualifying tournament.

The Scots were seeded third for the tournament in Dubai in February and drawn in group A with number one seeds Ireland as well as Afghanistan and America.

Each team will play three matches with the top two meeting in a Super Four round, finishing with a final between the top two sides both of who will progress to the main tournament.

Scotland qualified for this year’s World Twenty20 in England by default after Zimbabwe withdrew but after twice losing against South Africa and New Zealand will be hoping to qualify off their own back.