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

Glasgow-born Smith, on the books at Glamorgan, was drafted into the U19s 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 opened their 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 showed his class with 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 showed his all-round prowess by claiming three wickets, albeit at a cost of 73 runs, while Forfarshire’s Aman Bailwal was the pick with 3-36.

Cricket Scotland operations manager Euan McIntyre revealed: “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.

Tour Match: North West U19 272-9 (P Knoetze 69, D Grobler 51no; R Smith 3-73, A Bailwal 3-36) lost to Scotland U19 273-9 (R Smith 145no; Pretorious 3-61, D Grobler 3-23) by one wicket.