SIXTEEN teams from across Asia are taking part in this year's Shanghai Sixes event, to be held from September 22-24 at the Shanghai Cricket Club.

But, aside from the men's competition, there is also a match between the Chinese Women's team and the Scottish Women's team - a first for both sides and a great step forward in the development of women's cricket in both China and Scotland.

At the 2005 Shanghai Sixes tournament, former Scotland coach Omar Henry took the Chinese girls for some training sessions and reminded them that Scotland already had a women's side, and perhaps they would make the 2006 tournament! The Chinese were not slow to take the hint, and the game has now been agreed.

The Lloyds TSB Scotland squad which will experience this unique event is: Kari Anderson (captain), Abbi Aitken, Sahar Aslam, Charlotte Bascombe, Annette Drummond, Fiona Urquhart and Kathryn White. Linda Spence is the manager and Steve Seligmann is the coach.

One of the tournament organisers is Ainsley Mann, son former SCU president Bill Mann and formerly of the West of Scotland club, who was the inspiration behind this fantastic opportunity for the Scots.

Apart from the cricket, there will also be a Gala Dinner, featuring a Question-and-Answer session with former Test players such as Ian Healy, Max Walker, Phil Simmons, and Chris Lewis.

Roddy Smith, Cricket Scotland chief executive, says: 'This is an amazing opportunity for our girls, and shows how determined they are to make their mark at international level.'

Cricket Scotland gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following companies and brands that have made the trip possible: Lloyds TSB Scotland, Knight Frank Petty, J&B Rare, Rapp Collins, Power E2E, KPMG, Royal & Sun Alliance and China Merchants Logistics Group.