There was much to celebrate in Ireland's eighth place finish at the Under 19 World Cup, with impressive performances against their peers, culminating in a win over New Zealand.

The win was the first by any Ireland cricket team against the Black Caps in 50 attempts, and it also delivered the highest finish by an U19 side at the biennial tournament in 11 campaigns, dating back to 1998.

Ireland Under 19's finished their World Cup campaign on a high with a 41-run DLS win against New Zealand that ensured an eighth place finish.

Harry Dyer claimed 4-35 to give Pakistan a major scare at the U19 World Cup before Ireland succumbed to a three-wicket defeat in the Super Sixes at Potchefstroom.

Ireland suffered a 201-run hammering by favourites India in their final Group A match at the U19 World Cup but are still well placed to reach the Super Sixes second stage of the tournament.

KIAN HILTON top scored with a classy 90 as Ireland again impressed at the U19 World Cup in Bloemfontein before losing to Bangladesh by six wickets in a pivotal Group A match. 

Reuben Wilson led a dominant all-round bowling display in Bloemfontein that enabled Ireland to ease to a seven-wicket victory over the USA in their opening match of the U19 World Cup.

Nathan Johns talks with Ireland U19 opening bowler Reuben Wilson ahead of the World Cup opening match against the USA on Friday.

Ireland lost the first of their two official warm-up matches on Sunday as they were beaten by 27 runs against Zimbabwe in a game curtailed by rain.

Zimbabwe gained revenge for Sunday's loss as they earned a 38-run win over Ireland in the second game of their Under 19 World Cup warm-ups.

Ireland Under 19's shook off the winter cobwebs as they battled back strongly to beat Zimbabwe in a hard-fought youth ODI in South Africa.

Ireland U19s will play three warm-up matches this week to help them prepare for the World Cup that gets underway later this month.