Nel is back in the Scotland side to face Afghanistan

Kent seam bowler Dewald Nel has been included in the Scotland squad as they attempt to secure a place in November's ICC Intercontinental Cup final.

They go into the four-day contest against Afghanistan, which begins in Ayr on Wednesday, with an unbeaten record in the two-year tournament.

Head coach Peter Steindl said: "We've performed well in our two previous matches this year away from home.

"And we are approaching this game with confidence and determination."

The Scots are six points ahead of the Zimbabwe XI, with Afghanistan a further six behind, and victory would assure the home side of a place in the final in Dubai.

Should they fail to win, Steindl's side would have to secure their place when they face Zimbabwe in their final game in October.

Scotland's selectors have made four changes to the side defeated by Nottinghamshire on Sunday as they host a team that has never previously played an official competitive cricket match on UK soil.

Out go Preston Mommsen, George Bailey, Dougie Lockhart and former captain Gavin Hamilton - and in come Ewan Chalmers, Ryan Flannigan, Qasim Sheikh, Simon Smith and Nel.

The Scots will be looking for a repeat of their win in July, when they defeated Afghanistan in Holland by two wickets to reach the final of the ICC World Cricket League Division One.

Scotland: Gordon Drummond (captain), Richie Berrington, Ewan Chalmers, Ryan Flannigan, Gordon Goudie, Majid Haq, Moneeb Iqbal, Ross Lyons, Dewald Nel, Matthew Parker, Qasim Sheikh, Simon Smith and Fraser Watts.

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