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The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024 delivered an exhilarating double-header on January 23rd. In Group D, the clash between New Zealand and Afghanistan unfolded at Buffalo Park, while in Group B, England and South Africa battled it out at Senwes Park. The day unfolded with remarkable displays of skill, culminating in triumphs for New Zealand and England in their respective matchups.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan thriller
In an intense encounter at Buffalo Park in Group D, the clash between New Zealand Under-19s and Afghanistan Under-19s unfolded as a gripping contest in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2024. The toss favoured Afghanistan Under-19s, who elected to bat first in the hope of setting a challenging total.
Afghanistan Under-19s innings
Afghanistan’s batting struggled to find stability, and despite efforts from Jamshid Zadran (22 runs) and Arab Gul (10 runs), they were bowled out for a modest total of 91. The highlight of New Zealand’s bowling performance was Matt Rowe‘s outstanding figures of 5 wickets for 21 runs in 8 overs, well-supported by Ryan Tsourgas (2 wickets) and Ewald Schreuder (2 wickets).
New Zealand Under-19s innings
Chasing a relatively low target, New Zealand faced early setbacks, with their top-order batters struggling against Afghanistan’s bowlers. Oscar Jackson played a crucial innings, scoring 26 runs, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Allah Mohammad‘s impressive spell (3 wickets for 28 runs) created significant hurdles for the Kiwis. However, Ewald Schreuder‘s gritty knock of 5 runs in 11 balls proved crucial in steering New Zealand towards victory.
New Zealand Under-19s clinch thrilling victory
In a nail-biting finish, New Zealand Under-19s managed to scrape through, securing victory by the narrowest margin of 1 wicket. Rowe’s stellar bowling performance and Jackson’s resilience with the bat played pivotal roles in New Zealand’s successful chase. The Afghanistan Under-19s, despite a valiant effort, fell short in a closely contested match in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2024.
New Zealand won a thrilling match 👊#NZvAFG #U19WC2024 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/efsJtQj3sE
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 23, 2024
Also READ: Michael Vaughan warns India not to make spin-friendly pitches for India-England Tests
England’s dramatic win
The clash between South Africa U19 and England U19 in the 10th match of Group B at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, saw the toss go in favour of England U19, who decided to bowl first. What unfolded was a game filled with outstanding performances, but the weather had its say, ultimately leading to England’s victory through the DLS method.
Asked to bat first, South Africa U19 put up a competitive total of 230 runs in 49.2 overs. Steve Stolk played a crucial role at the top of the order, scoring 64 runs off 55 balls. Dewan Marais also contributed significantly, with 42 runs off 39 deliveries. The England bowlers, Tazeem Ali, Eddie Jack, and Jaydn Denly, were the pick of the bunch, each bagging three wickets to put South Africa under pressure.
In response to South Africa’s target, England U19 showcased a promising performance with the bat. Noah Thain played a pivotal innings, scoring 63 runs off 82 balls, while Ben McKinney contributed a solid 48 runs off 67 deliveries. England seemed to be well on their way to victory until an unexpected twist unfolded.
Rain interruption
Just when the game was finely poised, rain intervened, disrupting the flow of play at Senwes Park. The interruption forced the players off the field, and despite the efforts to resume the match, the inclement weather persisted.
DLS method decides the ultimate winner
As the rain continued, the umpires turned to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, and the calculations favoured the English side, as they were declared winners. It was an unfortunate end to what promised to be a thrilling contest between two talented U19 teams.
England U19 have won the contest against South Africa U19 via DLS method. #SAvENG #U19WorldCup #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/ryKXNcJsqD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 23, 2024
