The New Zealand Under-19 cricket team have suffered a six wicket loss to their English counter parts, in the playoff for third and fourth in the Quadrangular Series at Townsville.
Having set a total of 271 for nine, New Zealand couldn’t get on top of the England batsmen as their opposition reached their target after 44.2 overs.
New Zealand were put into bat by England and got off to a stunning start thanks to openers Ben Horne and Joe Carter. The pair put on an impressive 136 for the opening partnership, before Horne was dismissed leg before wicket on 81.
Carter was out soon after for 45, but the momentum stayed with New Zealand through Will Young and Henry Walsh. Their partnership of 57 ended when Young was out for 44, but Walsh continued his resilient stint at the crease by remaining 61 not out.
Sadly, he found little help from the rest of the batting line-up as New Zealand lost late wickets to end their 50 overs at 271 for nine.
England’s reply was solid from the outset, as the English openers put on 98 for the opening wicket.
Their good start was continued by number three Ben Foakes, who went on to score an unbeaten 105 off just 84 balls.
Foakes was supported by Adam Ball with 46 not out, as England went on to complete the run chase with six wickets and 5.4 overs in hand.
It was a disappointing end to the tournament, but the New Zealand team definitely showed that they will be among the top challengers for the world cup later this year.
