New Zealand U-19 vs Cricket Web U-19
at the CW Oval
1st Youth ODI
There was no clear hero at the Oval, but New Zealand trumped Cricket Web in the first ever Under-19 fixture between the nations. All the New Zealand Under-19 bowlers did a job wickets were taken at crucial stages to seal a tight 9-run win.
Both teams were stunned by the slow nature of the pitch, and the spinners were essential in slowing the build of momentum. It was the seamers who had the biggest wicket-taking say, however.
The visiting Kiwis were inserted after losing the toss, and wet and murky conditions meant that the initial exchanges were filled with intrigue.
Few boundaries were hit over the course of the innings, but the New Zealanders ran well between the wickets for the most part. Callum Thompson burst through with 4 wickets in the space of 9 balls, then Andy Cameron surrendered 10 off the final over, and New Zealand U-19 got to 252/8.
As cricket tends to feature, Thompson shifted from hero to villain with a frustrating cheap dismissal. The explosive Shan Jasotharan and Rob Dauth united though, and the Cricket Web youths looked to have seized the initiative with a 117-run stand. Alas, the dream was halted abruptly. Tim Southee was the architect in dismissing both batsmen in quick succession. Though the young Webheads continued to score freely, wickets tumbled with disconcerting regularity.
When the equation stated 54 runs needed from 60 balls with 4 wickets in hand the intensity from both sides was at a high. New Zealand dropped 2 catches in the late exchanges, but still took wickets readily enough to defend a target of 28 from the final 3 overs. Still 3 wickets intact, the ask proved too much for the hosts against more seasoned internationals.
New Zealand Under-19 252/8 (50 overs)
Cricket Web Under-19 243 ao (50 overs)
New Zealand Under-19 won by 9 runs.
Man of the Match: TG Southee