Scotland U19 vs England U19, ICCU19WC, Today Match Prediction 20 January 2024

SCOU19 vs ENGU19 Match Prediction & Analysis

The 15th edition of the Under-19 Men's World Cup kicks off this week in South Africa. The action begins on January 19 with a clash between USA and Ireland, followed by South Africa taking on West Indies. The grand finale is set for February 11. On the second day of the tournament, England will clash with Scotland at Senwes Park. Both teams will, of course, be looking to get their first points on the board, but England look to be the stronger side on paper.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

SCOU19

ENGU19

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Scotland U19 Preview

In a group featuring three international powerhouses, Scotland is poised for a challenging test. The 2022 campaign ended disappointingly as Scotland secured the 14th position among 16 teams. However, led by Owen Gould, the team will take confidence n their outstanding Qualifiers showing. Having won the competition by beating Ireland by 151 runs in the finals, they clinched a spot in the U19 Men’s CWC, suggesting a potential upswing in their form.

Players to watch out for

Jamie Dunk's remarkable recent form played a pivotal role in Scotland's Qualifier campaign. Finishing as the highest run-scorer in the Europe Qualifiers, he amassed an impressive 255 runs with an average of 85. His exceptional contributions were duly recognized, making him the undisputed choice for the Player of the Tournament award.

Alec Price is also worth backing. In the Europe Qualifiers, he was Scotland’s second-best batter, with 208 runs in 4 innings at an average of almost 70 and a strike rate of 80.

We are backing left-arm spinner Adi Hegde to do well in this tournament. In the Qualifiers, he emerged as the team’s best performer, securing 9 wickets in just 3 matches at an average of 10.67.

Right-arm fast bowler Nikhil Koteeswaran should also do well, as he will get enough purchase from this wicket.

Scotland U19 Predicted Playing XI:

Owen Gould (c and w), Jamie Dunk, Alec Price, Bahadar Esakhiel, Uzair Ahmad, Harry Armstrong, Ibrahim Faisal, Mackenzie Jones, Nikhil Koteeswaran, Logan Briggs, Adi Hegde

Scotland U19 Actual Playing XI:

Harry Armstrong, Uzair Ahmad, Ibrahim Faisal, Mackenzie Jones, Owen Gould, Adi Hedge , Bahadar Esakhiel, Jamie Dunk, Logan Briggs, Qasim Khan, Ruaridh Mcintyre

England U19 Preview

England last won the Under-19 Men's World Cup in 1988 and thus have a lot to play for. 

England's journey in the previous edition was nearly flawless until they faltered in the final against India. In preparation for the tournament, the team actively sought out matches against formidable rivals such as India and Australia in the past year to refine their skills. Their recent track record is impressive, boasting three victories in the last five matches.

Players to watch out for

Hamza Shaikh has become a standout performer in junior cricket for England. Since the last U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, he holds the distinction of being the top run-scorer among English players. In just eight matches, the 17-year-old has amassed an impressive 508 runs at an average of 63.50 and a strike rate of almost 95. Of particular note are his two centuries, both achieved against Bangladesh, during England’s Quadrangular series in India in November.

Luc Benkenstein is also in good form. In the Quadrangular series in India, he was England’s second-highest run-getter with 272 runs in 7 innings at an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 104.

Among the bowlers, watch out for right-arm seamers Eddie Jack (12 wickets in 7 innings in youth ODIs) and Dominic Kelly (15 wickets in 8 innings in youth ODIs).

England U19 Predicted Playing XI:

Ben McKinney (c), Theo Wylie, Noah Thain, Hamza Shaikh, Luc Benkenstein, Charlie Allison, Jack Carney (wk), Eddie Jack, Dominic Kelly, Jaydn Denly, Sebastian Morgan

England U19 Actual Playing XI:

Ben McKinney, Charles Allison , Dominic Kelly, Hamza Shaikh, Jaydn Denly, Luc Benkenstein, Noah Thain, Sebastian Morgan, Jack Carney, Eddie Jack, Farhan Ahmed

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom is usually great for batting, with good carry and bounce. Pacers may also receive some help at this venue if there is some grass on it. They will get consistent bounce and can trouble batters if they maintain proper lines. Spinners are unlikely to be very effective here.

The weather in Potchefstroom will be sunny and pleasant during the day of the match.

SCOU19 vs ENGU19 Pitch Report

The average first inning score in ODIs at Senwes Park is 256. The highest total posted at the venue is South Africa’s mammoth 418-5 against Zimbabwe in 2006. Totals above 300 have been achieved five times here in 19 ODIs. The team batting first should look to set a target of around 280 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

11 of the 19 ODIs played at Senwes Park have been won by the team batting second. We feel the team winning the toss here is likely to chase.