Majid Haq and Moneeb Iqbal can become Scotland’s twin destroyers in their bid to reach the 2011 Cricket World Cup, according to their Saltires team-mate Qasim Sheikh. With Wednesday’s opening game of the qualifiers, against Ireland, now looming large, captain Ryan Watson and coach Pete Steindl have tough decisions to make when they sit down to finalise their line-up to face the Irish after a final training session at Benoni.

Sheikh, 24, admits he is on the bubble to earn a spot if the duo, as expected, opt to include five specialist bowlers against the Irish. However, he believes the spin pairing of Haq (in photo right) and Iqbal could be the key to tying their great rivals up in knots.

He said: “Majid Haq has always been my favourite cricketer. He’s one of the most talented cricketers we’ have. He’s had his fitness issues in the past but he’s in amazing shape and he’s so pumped up for the qualifiers. I was in touch with him when I was away and he was keeping me motivated for this tournament.

“I’m sure if he gets in partnership with Moneeb, they can wreak havoc on the middle of the game to the opposition. And I think Majid has proven he is capable of doing a lot with the bat as well. If he’s given that free role, I think he can be a huge weapon for us.”

With the Scots likely to rotate their squad throughout the six-team group phase, Sheikh is likely to get his chance, even if he has to watch the opener from the pavilion. And after spending a winter in Pakistan, he is ready to step up if required.

He admitted: “Certainly reaching the World Cup here would mean everything to me, to my family, to everyone who has been involved in getting me here. I don’t think even playing for Scotland is enough. I want to make a contribution and hope that Scotland can do what Ireland did in the last World Cup and make a name for ourselves.”