Hong Kong but, because their game against Hong Kong was ravaged by rain, they do not progress to the semi-finals in Namibia. Whether the ICC will change the points system because of this is yet to be seen. Europe Group 29–31 July: Netherlands (5.5pts) drew with Scotland (4pts) The Scots went into this tournament as favourites, being holders of the Intercontinental Cup and the ICC Trophy. However, rain in Utrecht prevented them from a good start against the Dutch, who bowled well enough to have them all out for 217 on the first day. Ian Stanger hit his second first-class fifty and Ryan Watson 46, but South African-born Ryan ten Doeschate took three important, albeit expensive, wickets and medium-pacer Edgar Schiferli finished with four for 46. In reply, Maurits van Nierop lashed out, taking 24 off the Scottish bowlers as the Dutch made 31 for 0 to see them to stumps on day 1. Play was impossible on the next two days, and the Scots now needed to thump Ireland in Aberdeen if they were to have any hope of qualifying for the semi-finals. 13–15 August: Ireland (30.5pts) beat Scotland (17pts) by three runs The start of the match at Aberdeen was delayed due to rain, but when it did get underway, Ireland immediately got into trouble. The first two partnerships didn't add a single run, four batsmen departed for ducks, and Craig Wright got four wickets for the hosting Scots. Ireland crumbled to 128 for 9 before 17-year-old Greg Thompson from Lisburn hit 35 from number 10 to become the top scorer of the innings. Steven Knox hit 38 for the Scots, however, as they moved to 104 for 2. Tight bowling frustrated the Scots, who were looking for quick runs, but at least Cedric English hit 66 to lift them to 234 – a lead of 62. Ryan Watson and Dewald Nel got a wicket each before stumps, the Irish second innings score 46 for 2. Dominic Joyce, brother of more famous Ed, came to the crease as the new batsman on the third morning, and he scored 61 before being lbw to Dewald Nel – a crucial innings. The rest of the batsmen stuck in, defending against Paul Hoffmann, who bowled 18 overs for 33 runs, but only got the one wicket. The Scots – needing a victory after the wash-out in Utrecht against the Dutch –