Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup were dashed as they suffered a 78-run defeat against Ireland at the European qualifying event in Desert Springs, Spain.
The Scots had lost to Ireland in their final group match on Thursday, but still qualified in second place for the final, holidng hopes of reversing the result with a World Cup place at stake.
Ireland won the toss and opted to bat first. The Scottish bowlers performed well, bowling them out for 144 with Lyle Robertson, Jack Jarvis and Oliver Davidson each taking three wickets. The performance capped a stellar week for Davidson, who took a total of 14 wickets in four matches.
But when Scotland lost opener Sam Elstone for two in the first over, it set the tone for the reply with Ireland’s Matthew Humphreys ripping through the top order on his way to a five-wicket haul. Scotland were all out for 66 in just 26.5 overs.
Scotland Lead Coach Gordon Drummond said: “In all honesty we just didn’t bat well enough, in the last game or today, to deserve to go through. The bowlers did well in both games, and to restrict them to 140 today was a good effort. But batting-wise we just didn’t build any partnerships and those are key. Ireland are a good side, but we just didn’t bat well and that’s obviously cost us going to the World Cup. Congratulations to Ireland on their success. Coming back from a defeat against the Netherlands on Day 1 shows a lot of character and we wish them well at the World Cup.”
