Scotland great, Majid Haq, has said Kyle Coetzer should be replaced as national captain after the Scots suffered a remarkable collapse while losing to UAE in Dubai.
Coetzer, who featured in an impressive opening stand of 138 with fellow Aberdonian Matt Cross, eventually top-scored with 95, including eight 4s and a 6, but Cross’ dismissal for 53 was the catalyst for Shane Burger’s side slumping to 220 all out, with their last five wickets falling for just six runs.
That total was chased down comfortable by the hosts, who won by seven wickets with more than five overs to spare in the ICC World Cup League 2 contest.
The defeat ended a disappointing week for the Scots, who were also beaten by the USA and suffered the frustration of their first tussle with the UAE being washed out.
It means they have only managed four wins and nine points from eight ODIs in the tournament with the Americans well in front on 12 points.
Haq, who made more than 200 appearances for his country, said he was still convinced Coetzer had plenty to offer with the bat, but thinks it is time for a new skipper.
He said: “Kyle is a class player, no doubt about it, but it is surely time for a change in captaincy and for new ideas.
“Four years is more than enough as captain and 2020 is the perfect time for a new man.
“That is another bad loss for Scotland today against a team which was short of five or six of its best players.”
“The results in the main in 2019 have been average with losses to teams ranked well below us in Singapore, USA, UAE and two losses to Oman.”
Haq, who is still taking wickets and scoring runs in the Eastern Premier League has suggested that former Aberdeenshire player, Cross, takes over at the helm.
He said: “I think Matthew would make an excellent captain. He has got some fight and passion and he has also got an excellent cricket brain.”