The New Zealand Under-19 team have beaten Australia Under-19s by 24 runs in their Tri-Series match at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, Australia.
Having lost to the same opposition six days previous, New Zealand successfully defended their first-innings total of 225-9 by holding the hosts to 201-9. Jack Hunter did much of the damage with the ball, claiming figures of three for 27 from ten overs. Earlier, Rakitha Weerasundara had put in a Man of the Match performance, making 76 at the top of the order.
The right-handed batsman was the anchor for much of the New Zealand innings and put together two valuable partnerships with Shawn Hicks and Tim Seifert to see their side sitting comfortably at 151 for three.
One run later though, Weerasundara fell when he was caught and bowled by Matthew Kelly. No collapse ensued however, with Ken McClure (38) and Leo Carter (33) making sure that New Zealand’s score continued to progress.
Kyle Jamieson capped off the innings with a quick-fire 24.
Cameron Valente was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing with figures of four for 41 from ten overs.
The home side’s response though was shaky from the outset, losing early wickets to be 48 for three.
The Australian middle-order made plenty of starts, but were unable to seize the momentum at any point. An unbeaten 54 from Jake Doran kept it close until the end, but regular wickets at the other end made sure the advantage was always with New Zealand.
Hunter lead the bowling attack with three wickets, while Dane Watson (2-34-10) and Kurtley Watson (2-38-9) also troubled the Australian batsmen.
India maintain their position atop of the points table, while Australia stay in second due to a better net run-rate.
New Zealand play India on Wednesday in their final round-robin match.
