Arnold Manders, the Bermuda under-19 cricket team coach is backing his side do to better at the next ICC Under-19 World Cup Qualifier.

Bermuda finished third in the Americas qualifier, which concluded in Canada yesterday. They were only better than Argentina after playing second fiddle to the host nation and the United States. Their last match against Argentina was abandoned because of a wet outfield.

What gives Manders confidence is that the bulk of the players will still be eligible when Bermuda try to book a ticket to the 2026 tournament, to be hosted jointly by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“We were unlucky not to win the toss against Canada and the United States, we always batted first in poor conditions,’’ Manders said.

“We had a better chance if we had won the toss and sent them in to bat. In the afternoon, the wickets dried up, the field was a lot faster, we would have been better coming from behind.

“That doesn't mean that we could have won, but we had a better chance. Not to make excuses but we’re looking at a young team. I think they did well in those first two games. Give and take a few more batsmen not throwing away their wickets when set, there were some dropped catches.

“In one of these games at least we should have won but because they're young, and the conditions, they just didn't do it right. The United States and Canada were stronger than us, which is why we had to make sure we were perfect in everything, but it just didn't happen.

“Going forward, we have to find a way to play more matches so that they go through all the scenarios; they know what to do. In that second match against Canada, in the field that’s the best they’ve been since the tournament started. The bowlers bowled the right line and length, the fielders were in the right places.

“At least eight, nine of them will be back for the next one. We just need to find more recruits and get ready for the next World Cup qualifiers. Next year, we need to get them in the league as well as outside — play these sort of tournaments and get ready for the following year. It’s hard work but if they're wiling to put the work in, I am sure they’ll be better in the next tournament.”

United States clinched the lone qualifying on net run-rate after beating Canada by seven wickets in a match reduced to 22 overs a side.

Canada were restricted to 92 for nine and the Americans punched their ticket with 16 balls remaining.