New Zealand Under-19s will look to the Plate competition of the ICC World Cup after an eight-wicket defeat in their final Group A match against reigning champion Pakistan.
The win of the toss proved crucial as Anwer Ali Khan took five wickets for just 34 runs after Pakistan sent the young Kiwis into bat.
Jamshaid Ahmed also prospered, taking 3-14 from nine overs as New Zealand fell to 77 all out in 24 overs.
New Zealand lost six wickets for four runs in a spell after making 13 without loss.
But Roneel Hira struck a defiant 28 not out, including two fours and a six off 60 balls in 90 minutes to edge the side to their final total.
The holder then knocked off the required runs in nine overs, for the loss of two wickets – taken by Tim Southee (1-25) and Hira (1-3) to qualify for the Super League.
New Zealand coach Dipak Patel said: “The toss did have a bearing. But it was probably not the main excuse.
“There was a bit of dampness around but none of the rain got on the pitch. There was some very good bowling but perhaps our shot selection was not great and we did not handle the moving ball.”
New Zealand now takes part in the Plate Championship, facing Ireland on Tuesday.
New Zealand v Pakistan. ICC World Under-19 Cup Group A, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo:
New Zealand 77 (24 overs, Anwer Ali Khan 5-34) lost to Pakistan 78-2 (nine overs) by eight wickets.
