Nick Kelly compiled a superb half century as the New Zealand Under 19 team opened the quadrangular series with an easy six-wicket win over India at Endeavour Park in Townsville.
Kelly, in great touch, was unbeaten on 62 off 68 deliveries as New Zealand overhauled India’s total of 123 all-out.
Although the target wasn’t massive, New Zealand wavered at the start of their innings with Michael Davidson (2), Ben Horne (0) and Will Young (4) falling in quick succession to be 33 for three by the seventh over.
However, from there Kelly and Joe Carter reeled in the Indian total with a 102 runs partnership for the fourth wicket.
Carter was dismissed for 45 with less than twenty runs required but Kelly remained strong swatting two boundaries to seal the win with 16.2 overs to spare.
Earlier, the New Zealand attack hunted as a pack with new-ball bowlers Jacob Duffy and Edward Nuttall ripping out the top four Indian batsmen before Connor Neynens and Ish Sodhi worked their way through the middle and lower order.
Sodhi was the leading wicket taker with three for 25 while Nutttall (2-11), Duffy (2-19) and Neynens (2-17) all impressed.
Baba Aparajith was the best of the Indian batsmen with 40 not out while fast bowler Kamal Passi took all four of the New Zealand wickets to finish with figures of four for 25.
In the other first round match England beat hosts Australia by three wickets.
New Zealand’s next match is against England on Saturday at Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville.
