Cricket: Scots U19s win thanks to Ruaidhri Smith ton

SCOTLAND recruit Ruaidhri Smith is on a fast-track to the Youth World Cup after scoring a century on his debut.

Glasgow-born Smith, on the books at Glamorgan, was drafted into the under-19s tour of South Africa after bosses were tipped-off about his Scottish roots. And the 17-year-old responded by hitting a match-winning 145no as Craig Wright’s youngsters began the tour in thrilling style.

Needing 273 to beat North-West U19s in Potchefstroom, the Scots looked to be heading to defeat when they plunged to 78-5.

However, Smith hit twenty-four boundaries in his 126-ball knock as Scotland sealed a remarkable one-wicket success. Their next highest scorer was Smith’s West Lothian namesake Kyle with 24. Earlier Smith claimed three wickets, albeit at a cost of 73 runs, while Forfarshire’s Aman Bailwal took 3-36.

Cricket Scotland operations manager Euan McIntyre said: “Craig got the nod about Ruaidhri quite recently and we’ve heard nothing but good things about him. He attended school in Shrewsbury but the fact that he was born in Scotland means there is no eligibility issue.”

The young Scots, preparing for the World Cup in Australia later this year, continue their tour against North West Academy today.