Round-up for the week ending 11th March: Whittingham stars for Scotland in World Cup qualifier

Scotland took a huge step towards World Cup qualification on Thursday, with Sussex bowler Stuart Whittingham bowling 'with real pace and aggression' in the Zimbabwean heat as they secured a hard-fought victory over Nepal. Whittingham has had to wait patiently for an opportunity to impress in the World Cup qualifiers, but when given his chance in Bulawayo, he took it with both hands to claim three wickets for 38 runs. The 24-year-old's trio of dismissals came within five balls to leave the Nepalese top-order in tatters.

Like Whittingham, Rashid Khan was also in ICC World Cup qualifier action, as Afghanistan attempt to reach their first ever World Cup - but their dream is all but over thanks to a disappointing week of results. The week began with a clash against Zimbabwe, with Khan was unable to inspire his side to an important victory despite performing well with the ball. The 19-year-old captain recorded figures of 3-38, and added six with the bat, but Zimbabwe held on to win by two runs.

Two days later, Afghanistan were in action again in a huge clash with Hong Kong, but a rain-affected match saw them fall to another loss, this time by 30 runs on the DLS method. Khan was unable to claim a wicket, but bounced back against Nepal, with figures of 3-45 and 21 with the bat helping Afghanistan to a comfortable six-wicket win. Khan's side now need Nepal to beat Hong Kong if they are to have any chance of reaching the Super Sixes stage.

From World Cup qualifiers to the Pakistani Super League now, where David Weise was the only Sussex man in action this week. The South African is currently plying his trade for the Karachi Kings, who played the Quetta Gladiators on Thursday. Weise recorded figures of 0-33, and scored five with the bat, as the Kings lost by 67 runs in Dubai. 

The rest of the Sussex squad have now headed out to South Africa for their preseason tour, as preparations for the upcoming campaign start to gather pace. The squad will play their first friendly of the year on Wednesday, and you can follow the tour across our website and social media channels at SussexCCC!