It was an historic day for the U19 women’s team yesterday as they secured victory over the Netherlands for the second time in two days to confirm their qualification for the U19 World Cup, held in South Africa in January.
Following a comfortable 57-run win the day before, Scotland came in knowing that a win today meant their goal of achieving the inaugural U19 World Cup was guaranteed. Having lost the toss and being asked to bowl, it was Nayma Shaikh who got the breakthrough in the powerplay. After Darcey Carter removed Smits, a 31 run partnership started a rebuild for Netherlands. But regular wickets from the Scottish side including 3 for Molly Barbour-Smith meant that 95 was the target.
It looks comfortable from the first over as Ailsa Lister took down the powerplay with confidence, striking 9 boundaries before she was dismissed in the 6th over for a match winning 44 off 25 balls. Carter (30 off 19) and captain Katherine Fraser (7 off 9) finished the match off at the crease to confirm qualification.
The inaugural World Cup in South Africa in 2023 will contain 16 teams, but before that Scotland have their final game against Netherlands today, starting at 10am UK time.
