Watts has a fine record in the Intercontinental Cup

Fraser Watts hit a superb century as Scotland made an excellent start to their Intercontinental Cup semi-final against Kenya in Abu Dhabi.

Watts hit 146 as the Scots declared on 300-5 on day one of the three-day match, Kenya replying with 23-1.

Ryan Watson added 57 in a partnership with Watts worth 118, and soon after gaining their final batting point, the Scots declared their innings.

Their day improved further when Asim Butt bowled Malhar Patel for six.

Scotland captain Craig Wright won the toss at the start of the day and watched from the pavilion as Watts put on 93 for the first wicket with Douglas Lockhart (42).

Kenya finally struck when Lockhart fell straight after lunch but Watts began to flourish in a 51-run partnership with Cedric English (22).

The squad had been boosted by the inclusion of Durham's Gavin Hamilton, but he made just 13 before being bowled by teenager Kalpesh Patel.

But the exit of Hamilton heralded the arrival of Watson, and the big partnership between him and Watts ensued.

Guaranteed winner

Watts reached his century shortly after tea - it was his second consecutive ton in the tournament after his 118 against Ireland had taken the Scots into the final four.

The three-day match is guaranteed to produce a winner even if it results in a draw.

Each side can gain half a point for every 25 runs scored up to the first 300 in each innings, plus half a point for every wicket.

The winners will meet either host nation UAE or Canada in the final, which begins on 21 November.

The UAE-Canada semi-final also got under way on Wednesday - Canada declared after amassing 337-6 in Sharjah thanks to a Zubin Surkari century.