Gerhard janse

ICC U19 Men: Bahadar Esakhiel hammered a 64-ball unbeaten 76 Scotland defeated Namibia by three runs in a thrilling play-off clash that went down the wire, closing out their campaign in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 on a positive note.

The decisive factor in the closely fought encounter came courtesy of Scotland’s Esakhiel, whose explosive innings took the target beyond Namibia’s reach amid a tense finish.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Scotland's day did not start as they had hoped, losing the early wickets of Adi Hegde and Alec Price in the early stages. Hegde became the first casualty, succumbing to a splendid delivery by Jack Brassell in the second over. The ball sharply rose from the length, leaving Hegde to awkwardly prod an edge straight to the keeper Johannes Visagie behind the stumps.