The Indian Under-19 team have convincingly beaten New Zealand by seven wickets to remain undefeated in the Tri-Series Tournament being held in Darwin, Australia.
India chased down New Zealand’s first-inning total of 119 after 24.1 overs. Their successful pursuit ended New Zealand’s hopes of a place in the final, who finish behind second placed Australia due to an inferior net run-rate.
Having won the toss and opted to bat first, New Zealand got off to a solid start at 49 for one. It didn’t remain comfortable for long though, as India began to take advantage of the spin friendly wicket. The dismissals of Tim Seifert (12) and opener Rakitha Weerasundara (25) began a collapse and New Zealand were quickly reduced to 68 for five.
Resistance came in the shape of Kyle Jamieson (34), who combined with Graeme Tyron (12) to put on 35 for the sixth wicket. They dug in hard and helped their team occupy the crease until the 48th over, but runs were hard to come by and eventually New Zealand was all out for 119.
India’s Deepak Hooda caused the most problems with the ball and finished with figures of three for 26 from ten overs.
With such a low total to defend, New Zealand needed an early break through and got their wish when Jamieson had opener Shreyas Iyer caught on four.
Unfortunately it didn’t create the collapse required, as Akhil Herwadkar and Vijay Zol steadily worked their way towards the target.
India lost two more wickets on the way, but Zol, who scored a century in the two sides’ last encounter, remained until the end and finished with a man of the match 46 not out.
Dane Watson took the final two wickets for New Zealand, who continued his strong tournament with figures of two for 46 from eight overs.
New Zealand will now play their final game of the tour against Northern Territory on Friday.
