Tour Summary: Scotland Youth One Day Tour December 2024

[Cottonball]

Objective: Promotion to Div 2
Result: 2nd - Promotion to Div 2

During the Christmas week, Scotland Youth set out to build on their recent Semi-Final appearance at the Youth OD World Cup as they aimed for promotion to Division 2. Following a disappointing campaign in October, where they finished 6th on NRR, in Division 3 despite tying for 3rd, the team was determined to redeem themselves.

The tour started with a resounding 98-run victory over India, driven by Cockburn’s fiery 5/44. In G2, Scotland posted a competitive 258 on an uneven deck, highlighted by Irving’s tournament-high 114 off 151. However, the bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan's aggressive batting, which chased the target with surprising ease.

Game 3 followed a similar pattern, with Scotland setting a solid total of 252 on a dry surface. Late contributions from McKimmie (84 off 86) and Ryder (79 off 77) added valuable runs, but the bowlers were once again unable to defend the target, as the USA chased it down in 48.5 overs.

Heading into Game 4, Scotland and Zimbabwe were tied in points and vying for the second promotion spot. Hays (3/43) and Alexander (2/19) led a disciplined bowling performance, restricting Zimbabwe to 183. Dundas, who contributed with two catches and two stumpings, played a crucial role with the bat, scoring 72 off 86 as Scotland chased down the target in 44.1 overs.

With promotion on the line in Game 5, Scotland faced the Netherlands. After the Netherlands scored 216 on a crumbling wicket, Scotland looked in contention throughout the chase. However, the innings faltered in key moments, and they were bowled out 12 runs short of the target.

Fortunately for Scotland, other results went in their favour, allowing them to finish 2nd in Division 3. They narrowly edged out four other teams tied on 8 points to secure promotion. While the tour achieved its primary goal of promotion, it was frustrating at times, with strong positions thrown away due to a lack of wickets and poor decision-making in key moments. Scotland now looks forward to returning to Division 2 later this season.

Player of the Tournament & Best Batter: Jesse Ryder (Crazy Horses)

Jesse Ryder was a consistent performer throughout the tour, contributing key runs in all four of his matches, including Scotland’s two victories. Despite not winning a Player of the Match award, Ryder topped the tournament’s batting charts with 242 runs at an average of 80.67 and a strike rate of 105. He surpassed fifty three times, excelling as a finisher. At just 20.06 years of age, Ryder has already toured five times and is poised to take on a leadership role as he approaches the end of his youth career.

Best Bowler: Matthew Cockburn (Spooning leads to Forking)

Matthew Cockburn was Scotland’s standout bowler, finishing as the joint top wicket-taker with 8 scalps at an average of 15.25. His best performance came in the opening match against India, where he took 5/44 to secure Scotland’s first win. Cockburn’s ability to make breakthroughs in all three of his appearances made him an essential player for the team.
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