Kiwis overcome Zimbabwe

18 February 2008

New Zealand kicked off their Under-19 World Cup campaign with a 98-run victory over Zimbabwe at the Johor Cricket Academy, thanks to Corey Anderson, who contributed 82 off 95 balls to steady the middle order.

Zimbabwe reduced the Kiwis to 52 for five before Anderson came in and hammered four sixes and four fours to take his side to 221 for eight.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 142 in reply in the Group A encounter.

New Zealand face defending champions Pakistan on Tuesday.

Debutants Bermuda were on the end of a 178-run thrashing by Bangladesh, whose total of 260 for eight proved too difficult to overcome at the Bayuemas Oval.

Hossain Nasir (84) and Ashiqul Islam (69 not out) were the pick of the Bangladesh batsman with captain Mohammad Sohrawardi then using his fielders and bowlers well, in addition to returning figures of 4-9.

Four wickets from Amrit Bhattarai were not enough to take Nepal to victory over Sri Lanka at the Penang Sports Club, as they fell short by 61 runs, chasing a target of 236 for victory.

Sachith Pathirana provided an all-round performance for Sri Lanka, scoring 62 and then picking up two wickets to ensure Nepal were never in with a chance of winning.

South Africa and West Indies played out the closest encounter of the day, with the Proteas completing a three-wicket victory at the Kinrara Cricket Academy.

West Indies started well with the bat, but the loss of four wickets for 20 runs meant they were not able to take advantage of the second and third powerplays, finishing on 222 for eight.

A clinical innings of 58 not out by Rilee Rossouw ensured the win for South Africa with five overs remaining.