Pakistan too good for NZ U19's
Friday, 17 August 2012
The Pakistan bowlers set up the five wicket win for their side
The New Zealand Under-19 Cricket Team have lost to Pakistan in their third and final Group B pool match at John Blanck Oval on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Pakistan claimed victory by five wickets, after managing to chase down New Zealand's total of 152 in the 32nd over. Despite the loss New Zealand will still go through to the quarter-finals where they will face the West Indies.
New Zealand opted to bat first and got off to a solid start at 44 for one. Joe Carter (21) and Will Young (18) fell in quick succession though and Pakistan continued to take wickets at crucial stages.
Robert O'Donnell (29) and Henry Walsh (33) had a partnership of 58 for the fourth wicket, until O'Donnell was caught in the 34th over. Walsh went soon after and New Zealand were 109 for five.
Cameos from number eight batsmen Sean Davey (17*) and number nine Theo van Woerkom (14) were the last real contributions for New Zealand as they finished their 50 overs at 152 for eight.
In reply Pakistan lost their captain early, with Babar Azam caught by O'Donnell off the bowling of Matthew Quinn for one.
Pakistan though managed to rebuild, and despite losing two quick wickets in the 13th and 14th overs, were always within reach of their target.
Imam-ul-Haq (40) and Ali Saad (32) did most of the work in the pursuit, before some late boundaries from Mohammad Nawaz (23) and Salman Afridi (18) took them past New Zealand's total after 31.2 overs.
Quinn was the most economical of the bowlers with figures of one for 22 off 6.2 overs. Van Woerkom also contributed with the ball, collecting two wickets for 43 off eight.
The loss means New Zealand finished second in their group and will play their quarter-final against the West Indies on Monday 20th of August.
*For the full scorecard: http://www.iccu19cricketworldcup.com/scorecard/nzupku1608/nz-pak-aug-16-2012
New Zealand Under-19 World Cup Schedule
12/08/2012, v Scotland - Result: New Zealand won by 39 runs
14/08/2012, v Afghanistan - Result: New Zealand won by 8 runs
16/08/2012, v Pakistan - Result: Pakistan won by five wickets