Bermuda captain Zeri Tomlinson and vice-captain Luke Horan have vowed not to underestimate Argentina today when they clash in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Americas Qualifier, in Rydal, Georgia (11.30am Bermuda time).

While they have struggled against Canada and the United States over the years, Bermuda have had the upper hand against the Argentinians in this competition. Two years ago, Bermuda bowled out Argentina for 53 on their way to a nine-wicket victory, when the qualifier was played in Canada.

“Argentina is a team we're definitely not taking lightly,” Tomlinson told The Royal Gazette.

“We know they might be a little stronger than they were last time. We're preparing for a fair match and one that, hopefully, we end up being on the winning side of to give us some momentum going into our matches against USA and Canada.”

Horan’s three for 13 in six overs laid the foundation for Bermuda’s big win the last time the two sides met. His all-round prowess, which was on display when he made his Cup Match debut for St George’s, should be key once again in Bermuda’s efforts to get off to a winning start.

“Argentina are obviously not as good as Canada and USA, but they are a team we cannot underestimate,” said Horan, who turned 17 on Monday.

“Last time we bowled first and got them out pretty cheaply and chased the score down with ease. So hopefully, this time we can do something similar.

“Argentina first up will be good as batsmen can hopefully score a few runs and bowlers take a few wickets. But overall, we cannot underestimate them — let's hope we can get the win.”

Tomlinson has been working hard on sharpening his batting and wicketkeeping skills at Sedbergh School in England. His game was further enhanced in the Bermuda Smash Invitational where he played for Smith’s Sixers.

After making his Cup Match debut, which came after he switched allegiance from St George's to Somerset, Tomlinson’s confidence levels will be high in Georgia. Horan and Tomlinson are part of an array of experienced players whom coach Clay Smith will lean on to show the way throughout the tournament.

Isaiah O’Brien, Luke Fulton, Keegan Jones, Callum McIntosh, Sa-Qui Robinson and the MacFarlane brothers, Callum and James, were part of the team when Bermuda finished third in the previous tournament.

Smith, who has West Indies coach Andre Coley as a high-performance consultant for the six-day tournament, has been working hard to prepare the players for the six matches.

Tomlinson added: “Since landing on Monday, we've been focusing on our game plans, getting used to the conditions and making sure everyone's in some good form.

“We're feeling good about our chances and ready to take on each team as they come, but at the same time look to learn from our opposition.”

Bermuda will not have much time to catch their breath, as the US will be waiting for them tomorrow, while their first encounter with Canada is taking place on Tuesday.

The side finishing on top of the double round robin will secure the sole ticket to the World Cup, to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year.