Scotland’s U19 boys have successfully secured their spot in the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, culminating an undefeated European qualifying campaign with a 20-run victory over the Netherlands in Dundee.
The decisive match highlighted Scotland’s remarkable resilience and composure. After setting a competitive target of 238, Netherlands were coasting along at 108 for 3 before Scotland's bowlers forged a solid fightback. Finlay Jones was instrumental, taking 4/41 to dismantle the Dutch middle order and earning him Player of the Match. Manu Saraswat contributed with a disciplined 3/43, while Ollie Jones secured crucial breakthroughs.
“Playing in the World Cup is a dream for any cricketer, and to achieve it is truly incredible,” expressed Finlay Jones. Captain Thomas Knight praised the team's effort, stating, “Unbelievable! We couldn’t be happier, especially winning such a tight match.”
Scotland will now join the world’s top youth teams in the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. This event is renowned for nurturing future international stars. For Scotland, it's an invaluable opportunity to compete against elite opposition and highlight the nation's burgeoning cricketing talent on a global stage.
This success underscores Scotland’s growing presence in ICC events, building on strong performances from their senior men’s and women’s teams. Cricket Scotland's dedication to youth cricket development, through pathway programs and competitive exposure, has been a key priority.
The U19 squad’s unbeaten streak also reflects the robustness of Scottish grassroots cricket, with local clubs and schools playing a vital role in developing players' skills and fostering a competitive environment.
While the team anticipates facing diverse playing styles and conditions in southern Africa, they are currently celebrating this significant achievement, which solidifies their position among Europe’s top junior cricketing nations.
