ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Eclectic mix of competitors make Group B intriguing
With South Africa being joined by 2022 finalists England, the 2016 champions West Indies, and a spirited Scotland side, Group B of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has the potential to thrill.
Scotland
Scotland face a challenging prospect in a group featuring three international powerhouses. That said, the absence of excessive pressure might play to their advantage as they aim to reverse their fortunes in the U19 Men’s CWC 2024.
The 2022 edition was a forgettable one for Scotland as they finished 14th out of 16 teams, failing to secure victory in their group games in the West Indies.
However, under the leadership of Owen Gould, the team can draw confidence from their stellar performance in the Qualifiers. Dominating the competition, they comfortably secured a berth for the U19 Men’s CWC, indicating a potential turnaround in their form.
The experience gained from the qualifiers could be the catalyst for a more competitive showing at the upcoming tournament in South Africa.
Squad
Owen Gould (c), Uzair Ahmad, Harry Armstrong, Logan Briggs, Jamie Dunk, Bahadar Esakhiel, Ibrahim Faisal, Rory Grant, Adi Hegde, Mackenzie Jones, Farhan Khan, Qasim Khan, Nikhil Koteeswaran, Ruaridh McIntyre, Alec Price.
Fixtures
20 January: v England, Potchefstroom
24 January: v West Indies, Potchefstroom
27 January: v South Africa, Potchefstroom
Watch out for
Jamie Dunk
Jamie Dunk has been in outstanding form recently and played a crucial role for Scotland in their Qualifier campaign.
In the final Qualifier match, the 17-year-old showcased his talent by top-scoring with 96 runs off 99 balls and also contributed with the final wicket, securing Scotland's spot in the U19 World Cup.
In the week prior, Dunk scored fifties in Scotland’s wins over both Norway and Jersey, bagging the Player of the Match in both games.
Ultimately, Dunk emerged as the highest run-scorer in the Europe Qualifiers, amassing 255 runs at an impressive average of 85. His stellar performance made him the undeniable choice for the Player of the Tournament award.
What they said
Owen Gould, Scotland captain: “That first England game is the big one. The rivalry, and it being the first game of the tournament… I think we’ll all be buzzing for it and go and give the English lads a run for their money, hopefully!”
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