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POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa – The Ireland Under-19 Men’s squad have completed a preparation camp in South Africa ahead of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, with a win and a loss from two warm-up games in Potchefstroom.

5 January 2026

The Irish side was scheduled to play North West University in Potchefstroom today, however, heavy storms prevented play and a replacement match against Scotland U19s was organised for tomorrow.

6 January 2026

Rob O’Brien and Adam Leckey have combined for a 204-run 4th wicket stand to get Ireland Under-19s Men over the line against Scotland in a warm-up match today.

Batting first, Scotland set a highly competitive target after they compiled 281 in 49.3 overs. Using the opportunity to prepare the squad, the Irish side used 10 bowlers during the first innings, with Reuben Wilson, Olly Riley and Adam Leckey each taking two-wickets apiece.

In response, Ireland found itself 55-3 in the 15th over, needing almost 6.5 runs per over to achieve the win.

And win, they did.

O’Brien struck 112* from 126 balls, including two sixes and eight fours, while the unfortunate Adam Leckey was left four runs short of a century – dismissed for 96 off 93 balls.

Captain Olly Riley helped O’Brien steer the lads in green home with a quickfire 19* off 13 balls.

See scorecard.

7 January 2026

After yesterday’s dramatic victory, the Ireland U19s squared up against the North West University (an age group above the Irish side) for a second 50-over match in two days – however, this time the Irish side were eclipsed by a hardened and more experienced South African side.

Ireland won the toss and elected to bat on the ground that saw over 560 runs scored yesterday. Facing a disciplined bowling attack, the visitors struggled to put together any partnerships of note to build a total around.

Adam Leckey followed up his 96 yesterday with a top-score of 41 from 49 balls, while Bill Whaley struck 40 from 53 balls. The pair came together for the highest partnership of the innings of 62, however, despite captain Olly Riley’s late-on 20* from 27 balls, Ireland U19s could only manage to compile 196 from 46 overs.

The home side were quick to pounce with that bat and the opening pair of van Wyk (53) and Mynhardt (76) put on 118 inside 17 overs.

Despite the loss of the two openers in the chase, the NWU cantered home to win by 8 wickets in 28.2 overs.

See scorecard.

That ends the Ireland Under-19s time in South Africa – the squad now moves to Namibia for two official warm-up games before the start of the tournament.

You can find all the information about the event here.