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On the eve of today's World Cup game against Bangladesh, the Scottish Cricket Union yesterday announced a major sponsorship deal with media company Bloombergs, who recently opened an office in Edinburgh.

The five-figure sum is a welcome relief for the Scots, who had found difficulty in attracting a major sponsor for their World Cup campaign. Scottish captain George Salmond was delighted, saying: ``It's nice to know that somebody wants us.''

Coach Jim Love hoped the money would encourage the development of the game in Scotland. He was less forthcoming about the Scottish team to face Bangladesh in Edinburgh. After fighting performances against Australia and Pakistan, Love knows that expectations of a win against a team they beat in a one-day series last season are high.

Bangladesh, already granted one-day international status, have lost their two games without competing as keenly as the Scots. But they are a talented side coached by Gordon Greenidge, the West Indian who several years ago played in Scotland and appeared in several matches for the national team.

Love may decide to continue with the side which competed so well against Pakistan at Chester-le-Street on Thursday, though he may gamble on Greig Williamson to open instead of Bruce Patterson, who has so far failed to get among the runs. Spinner Keith Sherwood may also be in line to replace Nick Dyer.

All tickets allocated in Scotland have been sold, but an ECB mix-up has released 1,800 unsold tickets which will be available at the Grange ground this morning on a first-come, first-served basis.