After four days enjoying the Edinburgh of the South, Scotland expect to be hauled out of their World Cup comfort zone on Tuesday when they face New Zealand.

Winning their opening match against the in-form Black Caps is a tall order for the Scots but the challenge is embraced by their Kiwi coach Grant Bradburn.

Bradburn says his team are mentally ready, having enjoyed the hospitality of Dunedin, a city renowned for its Scottish heritage and tradition.

The big challenge is being technically prepared, having spent much of their training time bracing for the type of bowling they rarely face at home.

“We know we’ll be challenged here with quality spin and quick, swinging pace,” Bradburn said.

We simulated that and we’ve seen a dramatic improvement in the way we’re playing good bowling.”

Two other obstacles stand in Scotland’s way.

New Zealand haven’t lost an international, of any format, in the South Island for more than four years.

And New Zealand were delivered a stark reminder on Monday of the threat posed by the associate nations when Ireland beat the West Indies by four wickets in Nelson.

Coach Mike Hesson believes he has successfully convinced his side they can’t drop their guard, despite playing so impressively in the 98-run win in the tournament opener at Christchurch.

“We don’t really define them as lesser games. Scotland smashed Ireland recently and they’ve put a lot of other sides under pressure,” Hesson said.

“I think there will be a number of upsets in this tournament and if sides take any other side lightly they could get turned over.”

NOTABLE WORLD CUP SHOCKS

1979 – Sri Lanka beat India by 47 runs, Manchester

1983 – Zimbabwe beat Australia by 13 runs, Nottingham

1992 – Zimbabwe beat England by 9 runs, Albury

1996 – Kenya beat West Indies by 73 runs, Pune

2003 – Kenya beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs, Nairobi

2007 – Ireland beat Pakistan by 3 wickets, Kingston

2011 – Ireland beat England by 3 wickets, Bangalore

2015 – Ireland beat West Indies by 4 wickets, Nelson