The New Zealand Under-19s have
registered a five wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in their Plate
semi-final at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu
Dhabi.
New Zealand bowlers dismissed UAE for
140 after 49.2 overs, with Moaaz Ayub top-scoring with 21. The Kiwis in
reply looked comfortable and reached their target after 30.2 overs, largely
thanks to an unbeaten 62 from Ken McClure.
Having won the toss, New Zealand asked the hosts
to bat first and the bowlers quickly got on top. UAE lost both openers within
the span of six runs in the twelfth over, with only 32 on the board.
New Zealand maintained its pressure and ensured
that UAE were not allowed to form any major partnerships, the highest coming
for the eighth wicket between Qazi and Omer Mohammed (19) for 36.
All six bowlers had success in the wicket
column, but Jeremy Benton and Josh Finnie led with two wickets apiece.
New Zealand’s innings revolved around McClure
who lost partners at regular intervals, but the 19-year-old calmly anchored his
side to a comfortable win.
The opening pair Henry Collier (9) and
Rakitha Weerasundara (30) set the tone early, scoring quickly and taking away
any run-rate pressure.
McClure then took over following their
dismissals, striking seven fours and a six in his 68 ball knock. Eventually he
and Tim Seifert (9*) surpassed UAE’s total, securing their side a spot in the
Plate final.
Justin James was UAE’s best weapon with
the ball, taking figures of two for 36 from 10 overs.
