SCOTLAND OPEN U19 MEN'S WORLD CUP QUALIFIER IN STYLE

Scotland got their ICC U19 Men's World Cup Qualifier off to the perfect start as they eased to an eight-wicket victory over Sweden.

 

Winning the toss and bowling first at Arbroath, the Scots dismissed Sweden for 154 either side of a rain delay that reduced the match to 47 overs-a-side.

 

Finlay Jones was the standout with the ball, taking 5-36, and proving particularly useful at the death, four of his wickets arriving following the resumption as Sweden slid from 108-4 to 154 all out.

 

Ashutosh Samal had offered some hope for his side, who were kept in check by Scotland's bowlers throughout, twice clearing the ropes in his 45.

 

 

Chasing a DLS adjusted target of 160, Scotland suffered an early blow as Max Chaplin fell second ball, edging Advait Dhabe to Yatharth Chauhan, who took a juggling catch at slip.

 

Olly Pillinger was in destructive mood, striking 43 from 32 balls in a 52 run second-wicket partnership with Rory Grant, finding the boundary eight times before falling to Pranav Yadav.

 

That brought Grant and Manu Saraswat together, the duo combining for a chanceless 111 run partnership that saw their side reach their target inside 27 overs - both reaching their half-centuries, Grant getting to his as he struck the winning runs.

 

Scotland are back in action on Friday 1 August against Jersey at Forfarshire CC. The action starts at 11am, and entry is free for supporters.