SCO-U19 vs ENG-U19 4th Match Prediction

SCO-U19 vs ENG-U19 Team Previews

Scotland U19

Scotland will go into this match on the back of a win over Nepal Under-19 and defeat to New Zealand Under-19 during the round of warm-up fixtures that preceded this tournament. They can take plenty of lessons from those results into the tournament proper this month.

Seamer Ibrahim Faisal was a standout performer with the ball for Scotland during the warm-up fixtures. He took two wickets in each of the matches - and was comfortable bowling in South African conditions. As an all-rounder, he can add value with the bat as well.

Scotland's highest individual score during the warm-up matches came from middle-order batter Uzair Ahmad. He hit 31 against Nepal. They had several other promising starts, but nobody converted to at least a half-century. Their need for conversion is evident, especially against England.

Wicketkeeper-batter Owen Gold will captain the team. They have come a long way since qualifying for the tournament, but will be hard pressed against fellow group B competitors England, West Indies and South Africa. Scotland are the only team in the group who have never won the Under-19 World Cup.

England U19

England lost to Afghanistan Under-19 and beat Pakistan Under-19 during the warm-up fixtures. England lost the in the final to India during the previous Under-19 World Cup. They will be highly motivated to go all the way - and claim a second title - this time.

Middle-order batter Hamza Shaikh impressed during the warm-up fixture against Pakistan. He hit a calm and collected 62 - and received decent support from vice-captain Luc Benkenstein. Benkenstein is the son of former Proteas all-rounder Dale Benkenstein - and is shouldering a lot of expectation.

Spinner Tazeem Chaudry Ali and seamer Dominic Kelly are big assets with the ball for England Under-19. Ali took three wickets against Nepal and Kelly four against Pakistan. Kelly will likely take the new ball again - and could really benefit from seam-friendly conditions in Potchefstroom.

England were effectively among the title favourites before the first ball of this year's tournament was bowled. They have a glut of good batting and bowling talent - and experienced support staff. This match against Scotland should arguably be their smallest challenge in a group that also includes former fellow champions South Africa and West Indies.