Nice little preview piece for tomorrows game, nicely written if I must say so myself...
New Zealand Cricket - Welcome
Trans-Tasman rivalry is set to be re-ignited on Sunday when the New Zealand U-19 side takes on its Australian counterpart in the quarter-finals of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora.
New Zealand advanced through to the quarter finals with relative ease after victories over Canada, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka – New Zealand finishing top of the Group C after accounting for Sri Lanka in the final group game thanks to a top all-round team performance.
New Zealand’s top order has been in fine form, with Harry Boam amassing 172 runs while only being dismissed once. He has been well supported by Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham and Corey Anderson. Neesham has been a dominant force in the New Zealand top order, taking apart every bowling attack he has faced up to. Neesham says he would like to convert some of his starts into a bigger score.
“It’s been good to have a couple of good starts early on and get a few runs under the belt,” he said. “But obviously it would have been nicer to have gone on and get a bigger score in one of them but hopefully that will come in one of the next few games.”
One problem for the Kiwis could be a lack of batting time for some of the middle order batsmen, with captain Craig Cachopa having two small cameos, while Logan Van Beek and cousins Michael and Doug Bracewell yet to make it to the crease. Neesham believes lack of time in the middle won’t hinder his side’s chances.
“We know we have a couple of quality batsmen down the order, they have obviously been getting some quality bowling in the nets from our seamers, so hopefully that is enough for them to be prepared for Australia”.
Australia has played three group matches in Queenstown, winning two against Associate sides Ireland and USA, but tripping up against a strong South African side. The Australians have some famous names in their squad with the likes of Mitch Marsh, son of Rod and brother of Shaun, Alister McDermott son of former Australian quick bowler Craig.
Neesham says while the Australians are a good side they hold no fears for the young Kiwis.
“We have had a look at a few of their batsmen on the video analysis, and there isn’t anyone in their side that we’re afraid of, so as long as we play to our plans things should fall into place for us”.