Scotland's Gavin Hamilton does not believe his side are at a disadvantage in playing their Intercontinental Cup clash with the United Arab Emirates away from home.

The Scots go into the four-day Sharjah clash today knowing that victory would secure a place in the final in May, and Hamilton emphasised that the conditions will not favour the Emirates players, because it is a favourite venue for many of the Scotland team.

"This is where we won the Intercontinental Cup in 2004 and the place holds happy memories," said Hamilton, whose highest first-class score came at the Sharjah Stadium two years ago.

"Quite a few of the guys who beat Canada in the final on that occasion are still in the team and we're really looking forward to the game. I hit 115 against Canada and I would love to get even more this time. I'm hitting the ball well, so there's no reason why not."

Scotland could field up to eight survivors from the cup-winning side of November 2004 who routed Canada by an innings and 84 runs.

They include John Blain, who took seven wickets in that game, and Ryan Watson, who scored a half-century and produced an amazing spell with the ball to claim three wickets for just one run.

Peter Drinnen, the coach, said: "The boys enjoy playing at Sharjah and I believe if we perform as we can, we are good enough to win. It's in our hands to reach the final and that's the way we like it."

A Scottish victory would clinch an early summer re-match with Canada at a venue still to be announced.