Watson will lead Scotland against Ireland and New Zealand

Scotland face the twin challenge of New Zealand and Ireland in the Lloyds TSB Commercial tri-series.

The 50-over ICC one-day internationals will be played at the Citylets Mannofield ground, Aberdeen, next week.

Ryan Watson will captain the Scots but out-of-form Durham batsman Kyle Coetzer continues to miss out.

"Scotland has yet to defeat a Test playing nation and this is another opportunity for us to break new ground," said head coach Peter Steindl.

"We have several players who are in fine form at the present time, so we hope to spring a surprise or two on both our visiting teams."

Scotland are also without injured all-rounder Calum MacLeod although his Warwickshire team-mate Navdeep Poonia has been cleared to play.

New Zealand are tied 1-1 with England after three ODIs, with the series drawing to a close on Wednesday and Saturday.

The last time New Zealand, fourth in the ICC rankings, played in Scotland was during the 1999 World Cup.

New Zealand and Ireland last clashed in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, when the Black Caps won by 129 runs.

After their heroic victories in the West Indies, Ireland are ranked 10th in world cricket, while Scotland are three places lower.

"It will be a real challenge for our squad taking on nations ranked fourth and tenth in the world, added Roddy Smith, chief executive of Cricket Scotland.

"I am sure the Aberdeen public will come out in force to support the team."

Tuesday 1 July: Ireland v New Zealand
Wednesday 2 July: Scotland v Ireland
Thursday 3 July: Scotland v New Zealand

Scotland squad: Ryan Watson (Forfarshire, captain); Richie Berrington, Dewald Nel, Craig Wright (all Greenock); John Blain (Rotherham); Gordon Goudie (West of Scotland); Gavin Hamilton (East Brierly); Majid Haq (Ferguslie); Neil McCallum (Grange); Navdeep Poonia (Warwickshire); Glenn Rogers (Stenhousemuir); Qasim Sheikh (Clydesdale); Colin Smith (Aberdeenshire, wicket-keeper) and Fraser Watts (Carlton).

*BBC Radio Scotland will provide live commentary from both matches involving the host nation.