Scotland U19s have got off to a winning start at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Europe Qualifier as they beat Netherlands by three wickets.
The qualifier – taking place in the Netherlands and also featuring Denmark, France, Jersey and Ireland – is the decider for the final spot at the 2020 U19 Cricket World Cup to be held in South Africa.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Scotland U19 struck in the first over to remove Bakker with four runs on the board.
The loss of an early wicket didn’t disrupt Netherlands U19, however, as they remained composed to put on an 81-run stand for the second wicket, Rasool (25) combining with Singh (58) to make Scotland U19’s bowlers work in the Dutch heat.
Jamie Cairns (3/26) made the much-needed breakthrough to remove Rasool LBW in the 16th over which was the start of a Scotland U19 resurgence.
After Jasper Davidson (3/33) picked up the third wicket into the 21st over, Singh caught by Ben Davidson, Netherlands U19 struggled to set a threatening total, losing their remaining seven wickets for 73 runs to set Scotland U19 187 to win their opening fixture.
Scotland U19 too lost an early wicket, Uzzair Shah the victim of an unfortunate run-out to leave Scotland 9/1 in the sixth over.
The dismissal brought in-form batsman Tom Mackintosh (top scoring with 91*) and skipper Angus Guy (30) to the crease for a 74-run stand for the second wicket, steadying the ship for Scotland U19s in a nervy opening encounter.
By the time Tom Mackintosh was dismissed in the 31st over, Scotland U19s required just 43 more from 19 overs with seven wickets in hand.
However, pressure of a run-chase unsettled the young Scottish talent and just like Netherlands U19, Scotland U19 lost quick wickets with Ben Davidson (1), Liam Naylor (8), Durness Mackay-Champion (1) and Rory Hanley (4) departing in quick succession with Jasper Davidson (40*) desperately trying to steady the ship.
By the time Kess Sajjad strolled to the crease on 175/7, Scotland U19 required just 12 to win from five overs.
Eventually, a single from Jasper Davidson would take the team to victory with 3.2 overs to spare.
Scotland U19 are back in action tomorrow (Saturday 27th July) as they take on Jersey U19.
