Ireland are facing the heartbreak of missing out on next year’s U-19 World Cup in South Africa after failing to chase down an imposing Scotland total in Voorburg yesterday and losing their winner-takes-all qualifier by 47 runs.

After three straight victories batting first in the Netherlands, the boys in green found themselves chasing for the first time after a century from Tom Mackintosh helped Scotland to 246-6.

The Ireland reply began brightly with Marcus Poskitt and all-rounder Nathan McGuire adding 52 at a run a ball, allowing in-form Alex Stiles and Will Smale to build a solid platform with an 82-run partnership for the third wicket.

A direct hit from point ran out Smale for 32, though, and as Scotland applied the squeeze both captain Neil Rock and YMCA youngster Tim Tector fell cheaply before Stiles was caught behind for 43 to end any realistic chance of victory.

Ireland may yet make the finals as the ICC will decide in October if the boys in green are to replace suspended Zimbabwe.