U19 World Cup: Australia ease past South Africa to stay unbeaten

WINDHOEK: Dominant Australia sealed another win at the U19 World Cup as Charles Lachmund and Steven Hogan starred against South Africa, leading their side to a six wicket win here at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Put into bat first, South Africa were skittled for mere 118 in just 32.1 overs.

The Proteas were put into early trouble as opener Armaan Manack was trapped lbw for duck on the second ball of the first over.

After an early wicket, skipper Muhammed Bulbulia joined hands with Jorich Van Schalkwyk and added 27 for the second wicket partnership.

The stand was broken in the fifth over as Bulbulia was cleaned after scoring 19. The wicket triggered a mini collapse as both Jason Rowles and Daniel Bosman, were dismissed cheaply.

As a result, South Africa were 37-4 in 10 overs.

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The slide was briefly halted as Paul James and Jorich Van Schalkwyk put on a 30 run partnership. However, a total misunderstanding ended in Van Schalkwyk’s run out. He made 26 from 55 balls with the aid of three fours.

Following his wicket, South Africa innings quickly unraveled as Australia bowlers dominated the proceedings.

Paul James remained the top-scorer for South Africa with 34 to his name with the help of a four and a six.

For Australia, Charles Lachmund led the bowling attack with a three wicket haul to his name.

In reply, Australia reached the target without any major hiccups in 32.5 overs, losing four wickets.

South Africa snared an early wicket in the second over as Will Malajczuk  departed for four. Yet, Australia cruised in pursuit with a string of partnerships.

Steven Hogan remained the highest scorer for them as he managed 43 from 73 deliveries, striking five boundaries in the process.

For South Africa, JJ Basson shined with ball as he took three wickets in his quota of 10 overs.

With this win, Australia remained undefeated, winning three out of three games.

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U19 World Cup: Australia top Group C, Bangladesh advance to Super Six

WINDHOEK: Australia romped to a nine wicket win over Sri Lanka to top Group C, while Bangladesh secured a place in the Super Six stage of the ICC U19 World Cup with a seven-wicket win over USA on Friday.

In group A, Australia sealed a commanding win over Sri Lanka after bowling the Islanders for just 58.

The defending champions chased down the partly target in 12 overs, losing only wicket in the process.

Nitesh Samuel scored 19 from 40 and Steven Hogan hit three boundaries for his 28 from 27 deliveries.

For Sri Lanka, Rasith Nimsara was the solitary wicket taker.

With this victory, Australia topped the group with three wins out of three games.

Earlier, put into bat first, Will Byrom’s five wicket haul skittled Sri Lanka for 58 in 18.5 overs.

Australia pacer Charles Lachmund and Will Byrom inflicted a miserable start on Sri Lanka as they were reduced to 3-3 in 3.2 overs.

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The wickets continued to tumble for Sri Lanka as none of their batters could got going. Chamika Heenatigala top-scored for his side with 14 from 21` balls.

In Groub fixture, Bangladesh secured a comprehensive seven wicket win over USA to seal their Super Six spot.

Put into bat first, USA were bowled out for 199 in their 50 overs.

Adnit Jhamb remained the highest scorer for his side, managing 68 off 69 with the help of a six and three fours.

For Bangladesh, Iqbal Hossain Emon remained the standout bowler with three wickets. Al Fahad, Shahriar Ahmed and Rizan Hossan shared six wickets between them.

In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target in 41.3 overs, losing three wickets in the process.

Skipper Azizul Hakim top scored with 64 from 82, hittig two fours and same number of maximums. Zawad Abrar was the other notable contributor, striking three sixes and five fours in his knock of 47 from 42 balls.

For USA, Ritvik Appidi, Utkarsh Srivastava and Sahil Garg picked up one wicket each.

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U19 World Cup: West Indies, Ireland seal Super Six spot

WINDHOEK: West Indies defeated South Africa by 55 runs while Ireland secured a four-run victory over Japan to book their place in the Super Stage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.

West Indies set South Africa 235 to chase in 50 overs, thanks to Zachary Carter sublime century.

After losing Tanez Francis in sixth over, Zachary Carter and

The pair brought the total to 115 in 22.3 overs before three quick wickets halted their progress.

Skipper Dorne scored 20 from 49 while Shamar Apple and Jewel Andrew  were sent back for ducks.

As a result, West Indies were reduced to 115-4 at the end of 23 overs.

Despite the wickets tumbling, Carter cruised along and went on to score 114 from 104 balls with the aid of eight sixes and same number of boundaries.

His wicket in the 36th over sparked another collapse as the whole team was bundled out for 234 in 47.5 overs.

For South Africa, JJ Basson starred with the ball as he picked up a five wicket haul.

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In reply, South Africa batting lineup faltered and the whole team was bowled for 179 in 37.4 overs.

Shaquan Belle started the proceeding as he tormented the Proteas top-order.

Adnaan Lagadien was the first one to go after scoring 10 followed by Muhammed Bulbulia’s and Jorich Van Schalkwyk wicket in the eight and ninth over respectively.

South Africa batting lineup could not got going with West Indies bowlers taking wickets at regular intervals.

Jason Rowles remained the top scorer with 46 from 40 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

For West Indies, Shaquan Belle wreaked havoc with the ball, picking up six wickets in his quota of 10 overs while giving away 40.

In Group A fixture, Ireland defeated Japan by four wickets, advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

Ireland chased down 248 run target in 48 overs, losing four wickets in the process.

Freddie Ogilby starred with the bat for Ireland, scoring 73 from 76 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.

Sebastian Dijkstra was the other notable contributor, scoring an unbeaten 55 from 61 deliveries with the help of six and four boundaries to get his team over the line.

Earlier, after opting to bat first Japan put 247-9 in their 50 overs.

Charlie Hara-Hinze  top scored for them with, making 57 off 70 deliveries with the help of a six and four boundaries.

For Ireland, Adam Leckey and Oliver Riley shared six wickets between them.

READ: U19 World Cup: Here’s why Pakistan slowed their chase against Zimbabwe

U19 World Cup: Here’s why Pakistan slowed their chase against Zimbabwe

HARARE: The tactics behind Pakistan slow chase against Zimbabwe have been revealed as the Green Shirts executed a calculated run-chase that guaranteed both teams a spot in the Super Six stage of the U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan outplayed hosts Zimbabwe in their last-group stage fixture by eight wickets.

The win resulted in Scotland’s elimination whereas Pakistan and Zimbabwe both qualified for the next round.

Pakistan chased down the target in a tactical way, taking tournament rules in account which helped them improve their net-run rate going forward.

After racing to 84 in 14 overs, Pakistan’s chase of 129 entered a curious stalemate.

Despite needing less than four runs per over, Minhas and Hussain scored with a run rate of three runs per over for the next 12 overs. This period included a staggering 89-ball boundary drought.

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The result came as a heartbreak for Scotland who were in qualifying position halfway through the innings before being overtaken by Zimbabwe on net run rate.

Pakistan took a measured approach in pursuit of 129 run target as they slowed down their scoring after 14th over and eventually chased the target in 26.2 overs.

For Scotland to qualify, Pakistan needed to reach their target within 25.2 overs.

However, Pakistan prioritised the Super Six regulations, which say that only teams that advance will carry their run rate and points earned in matches against fellow qualifiers.

By prolonging the chase, Pakistan ensured Zimbabwe qualified alongside them, protecting their own statistical advantage for the next stage.

Pakistan advanced with a better net run rate because they had beaten Zimbabwe by a bigger margin than they beat Scotland. Pakistan defeated Scotland with 6.5 overs to spare.

Additionally, they also hit Group C toppers England’s run rate as the Three Lions have secured a 252 run victory over Scotland.

It is worth mentioning that intentionally slowing down a game to manipulate tournament standings is technically against ICC rules, but Pakistan tactics looked obvious and proving the team’s intent is an uphill task.

Previously, Steve Waugh has also attempted a similar strategy during Australia’s chase against West Indies during 1999 ODI World Cup.

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Ali, Minhas star as Pakistan humble Zimbabwe in U19 World Cup

HARARE: Ali Raza and Sameer Minhas starred as Pakistan produced a commanding display to seal a victory over Zimbabwe in the 19th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield on Thursday.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 129 target in 26.2 overs, losing two wickets in the process.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 19 for the opening wicket in 3.3 overs before the former was caught, after scoring three.

After an early wicket, Usman Khan then paired up with Sameer Minhas, stitching a 49 run parntership.

The pair made lightwork of the chase as Pakistan’s scorecard read 68 in 10.5 overs.

Michael Blignaut provided Zimbabwe much-need breakthrough, cleaning up Usman, who scored 26 from 23 balls with the help of five fours.

Despite the wicket, Minhas cruised on and forged an unbeaten 64-run partnership off 83 balls alongside Ahmed Hussain, who made 24 from 53 balls.

Minhas eventually finished the game with two back-to-back sixes off Michael Blignaut’s over.

The right-hander’s dream run in the Youth ODIs continued as he scored 74* from 75 with the help of half a dozen fours and three sixes.

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For Zimbabwe, Michael Blignaut and Panashe Mazai took one wicket each.

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe advanced to the Super Six stage courtesy of their superior run rate over Scotland.

Earlier, Pakistan’s pace bowlers produced a disciplined collective display to bundle co-hosts Zimbabwe to a modest 128-run total.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field first, a decision that quickly paid off as Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed under sustained pressure.

The home side managed to score a meagre 128 runs in 35.5 overs against a well-rounded Pakistani bowling attack.

Zimbabwe opener Nathaniel Hlabangana was the lone bright spark for the hosts, battling hard to score 59 off 85 balls, featuring seven boundaries.

However, his efforts went largely unsupported, with Brandon Senzere being the only other batter to reach double figures, making 15.

Pakistan’s bowling unit was led by Ali Raza, who delivered a sensational spell of 3 for 16 in eight overs, keeping the pressure constant and not allowing Zimbabwe to build any meaningful partnerships.

He was well backed by Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan, who claimed two wickets each, while Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one.

Notably, the Pakistan U19 team have already secured their place in the Super Sixes, but a win here would guarantee them a second-place finish in Group C with four points.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, face a must-win situation if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

A victory would enable them to leapfrog Scotland and clinch the final Super Sixes spot from Group C, joining England and Pakistan in the next round.

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Dominant England, Afghanistan seal victories in U19 World Cup

HARARE: Ben Mayes’ record 191 powered England to a crushing 252-run victory over Scotland, while Afghanistan continued their winning run with a resounding nine-wicket win against Tanzania in the U19 World Cup group stage fixtures.

Batting first, England racked up a massive 404-6 in their 50 overs, thanks to a monumental second wicket partnership between Joseph Moores and Ben Mayes.

After opener Ben Dawkins got out in the second over for five runs, Mayes joined Moores and forged an 188-run stand, which laid a foundation for a big total.

The pair batted briskly and kept the Scottish bowlers at bay with Mayes scoring his half-century on 32 balls. At this stage, the scorecard read 102-1.

Meanwhile, Dawkins also provided support from the other end and kept the scoreboard ticking.

The stand eventually culminated on the first ball of the 24th over as Moores got out after scoring 81 from 65, which was laced with four boundaries and five sixes.

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Despite the wicket, Mayes remained unfazed and stitched a couple of stands with middle-order batters.

There were some other brief contributions from England batters, but Ben Mayes remained dominant and posted a record score for the Three Lions in Youth ODIs.

He was eventually dismissed in the 45th over after amassing 191 from 117 balls. His record-breaking knock was peppered with 18 fours and eight sixes.

At the time of his dismissal, England’s scorecard read 354-5 in 45.2 overs.

For Scotland, Jake Woodhouse stood out with three wickets to his name.

In reply, Scotland could not get going and were bowled out for 152 in 44.5 overs.

After a positive 38-run start from the openers, Scotland lost their way and lost wickets in heaps.

Luke Hands and Alex Green combined to rattle the top order, with Caleb Falconer and Ralphie Albert cutting through the rest of the batting lineup.

Finlay Carter was the only silver lining for Scotland, who top scored with 34 from 55 with the aid of four boundaries.

Ethan Ramsay was the other batter to impress, who remained unbeaten on 20 from 23 balls. The right-hander struck four boundaries.

For England, all-rounder Caleb Falconer scalped three wickets.

Earlier, in a Group D fixture, Afghanistan sealed a nine-wicket victory over Tanzania.

Tanzania could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as Nooristani Omarzai led the bowling attack, skittling them for 85 in 36 overs.

Augustino Mwamele remained Tanzania’s top scorer with 14 goals.

For Afghanistan, it was Nooristani who wreaked havoc with the ball and tore through the opposition’s batting lineup.

The right-arm medium pacer returned with the figures of 5/9 in seven overs. Uzairullah Niazai also supported him well with two wickets to his name.

In reply, the Young Afghan Atlans chased down a mere 86-run target in 12.4 overs. The result marked Afghanistan’s third consecutive victory.

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South Africa, Sri Lanka seal commanding victories in U19 World Cup

WINDHOEK: South Africa and Sri Lanka delivered dominant performances to seal victories over Tanzania and Ireland respectively in their group stage fixtures here at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Put into bat first, South Africa racked up a massive 397-5 at the end of their 50 overs.

Skipper Muhammed Bulbulia and Jason Rowles scored commanding centuries, with both batters forging a monumental 201-run stand for the third wicket partnership.

The pair took the score from 93 to 294 in 42.5 overs.

Bulbulia’s innings of 108 from 108 balls was laced with 10 fours and six while Rowles remained unbeaten on 125* from 101 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and five sixes.

For Tanzania, Simba Mbaki picked up two wickets.

In reply, Tanzania could not get going, with the whole team bundled out for only 68 in 32.2 overs. The innings involved two run-outs with one batter absent due to injury.

For South Africa, it was Jason Rowles again with the ball, scalping two wickets. Bayanda Majola also took wickets.

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In the Group A fixture played here at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Sri Lanka crushed Ireland by 106 runs as skipper Vimath Dinsara led from the front with an all-round performance.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to put 267-5 on the board in their 50 overs.

Despite losing three wickets for 59 in 14.2 overs, it was Vimath Dinsara who held the innings together. He strung a couple of partnerships that kept Sri Lanka afloat.

The highlight of Sri Lankan batting was a century stand between Dinsara and Kavija Gamage, which brought the total from 139-4 to 239 in 46 overs.

Dinsara top-scored with 95 from 102 balls, striking half a dozen boundaries and a six.

Gamage fell one short of a half-century, a knock that included six boundaries. Meanwhile, Chamika Heenatigala also chipped in with 51 off 53 balls.

For Ireland, Oliver Riley took two wickets.

In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 161 in 40.1 overs, thanks to Dulnith Sigera’s four-wicket haul.

The Irish batters were in trouble fromthe start, with none of their batters getting going except opener Callum Armstrong, who made 39.

With this win, Sri Lanka registered their second consecutive win of the tournament, having previously defeated Japan in their opening encounter.

READ: WATCH: Ahmed Hussain’s stunning catch against Scotland

WATCH: Ahmed Hussain’s stunning catch against Scotland

HARARE: Pakistan all-rounder Ahmed Hussain took another brilliant catch during his side’s clash against Scotland in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Ahmed, 18, once again made headlines after pulling off a stunning grab against Scotland during the 45th over of the game, highlighting Pakistan’s improved fielding over the past couple of months.

On the fifth ball of Mohammad Sayyam’s over, Scotland batter Manu Saraswat tried to whip a full and straight delivery on the leg side but ended up offering a leading edge. Ahmad Hussain, running back from the backward point, completed an outstanding catch.

 

 

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The catch quickly grabbed attention, with commentators praising the Pakistani fielder for his outstanding grab.

This was not the first time Ahmed demonstrated his fielding prowess. The right-hander also took a blinder at the point during Pakistan’s opening encounter against England.

Nonetheless, Pakistan eased past Scotland by six wickets to open their account in the mega event.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

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Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan starred with the bat, forging a 111-run partnership for the third wicket.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan top-scoring with 75 from 85 balls. Ahmed Hussain remained the second-highest scorer with 47 off 92 deliveries.

For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

READ: U19 World Cup: Usman, bowlers seal Pakistan win over Scotland

U19 World Cup: Usman, bowlers seal Pakistan win over Scotland

HARARE: Usman Khan’s 75 and a clinical bowling performance propelled Pakistan to a comprehensive win over Scotland in the 12th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 43 for the opening wicket partnership in 9.4 overs.

Scotland got their first breakthrough in the form of Ali Hassan Baloch, who was bowled by off-spinner Ollie Jones for 15.

Soon after, Jones trapped Sameer Minhas lbw to keep Pakistan in check. Minhas 28 off 30 included three fours.

Consequently, Pakistan were 48-2 in 11.1 overs.

However, Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan forged a 111-run partnership, which brought the Green Shirts to the cusp of their first win in the tournament.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan reaching his half-century on 59 balls. At this stage, Pakistan were 124 for 2 in 31 overs.

Eventually, the stand culminated in the 39th over with Usman’s wicket. The left-hander’s 75 off 85 balls was laced with five fours and two sixes.

The scorecard read 159-3 with Pakistan requiring 29 more runs to win.

Ahmed Hussain, who remained the second-highest scorer with 47, kept the scoreboard ticking until his dismissal in the 41st over, with the team only requiring three to win.

With a couple of tight overs from Scotland, Pakistan finally sneaked through, courtesy of a boundary from skipper Farhan Yousaf’s bat.

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For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

The Green Shirts applied pressure on the Scottish batting lineup right from the onset, with Ali Raza picking up the wickets of opener Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin in the first over.

Robinson made four, whereas Chaplin only managed two. As a result, Scotland were in early trouble with 12-2.

After early wickets, Rory Grant and skipper Thomas Knight steadied the innings with a 47-run partnership. The pair brought the total to 59 in 16.5 overs before Momin Qamar snared Rory Grant, who was caught after scoring 21 from 45 balls.

Pakistan continued to take wickets at regular intervals, with Finlay Carter the next batter to be dismissed after managing 12 from 16.

Scotland were further in dire straits when Ali Raza sent back Ollie Jones and skipper Thomas Knight in one over.

Knight top-scored with 37 from 72 balls with the aid of three fours. Jones, meanwhile, made 30 off 35, which included three boundaries.

After a 40-run partnership between Knight and Jones, Scotland were reduced to 115-6 in 29.2 overs.

However, another stand off 58 runs between Manu Saraswat and Finlay Jones provided them respite, bringing the total to 173 before a lower-order collapse bundled them out for a mere total.

Saraswat 25 from 36 included a boundary, whereas Jones hit two boundaries in his 33 off 56 balls.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

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Dominant Afghanistan crush West Indies in U19 World Cup

WINDHOEK: All-round Afghanistan sealed a comprehensive 138-run victory over the West Indies in the 11th match of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup here at the High Performance Oval on Sunday.

Set 262: West Indies batting lineup folded for 124 in 33.2 overs.

Afghanistan bowlers applied pressure from the onset, with spinner Wahidullah Zadran cutting through the top-order.

At the end of the five overs West Indies were 21-3 with Jewel Andrew and skipper Joshua Dorne at the crease.

The pair stabilized the innings with a 30-run partnership, bringing the total to over 50 run mark.

However, Apple’s dismissal sparked another collapse that West Indies could not recover from.

Jewel Andrew was the silver lining for West Indies, top scoring with 56 from 70 balls with the aid of four boundaries and three sixes.

For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omarzai starred with the ball, picking up four wickets while Wahidullah Zadran and Khatir Stanikzai shared six wickets between them.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Afghanistan put up 262-6 at the end of their 50 overs.

Osman Sadat and Mahboob Khan starred with the bat, both scoring vital 88 and 86 runs respectively.

The pair was involved in a 77-run stand for the fourth wicket partnership that drived Afghanistan’s innings.

For West Indies, Jakeem Pollard picked up three wickets.

In the 10th fixture, England romped to an eight-wicket win over the hosts, Zimbabwe.

Set mere 209, England chased down the target with ease in 28 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.

Skipper Thomas Rew and Ben Mayes starred with the bat. Rew made 86* from 66, striking four boundaries and seven fours. While Mayes remained unbeaten on 77 from 72, hitting four sixes and three boundaries.

For Zimbabwe, Shelton Mazvitorera scalped two wickets apiece.

Put into bat first, Zimbabwe only mustered 208-9 at the end of their innings as Skipper Simbarashe Mudzengerere top-scored for them with 45* off 63 balls.

For England, Manny Lumsden took four wickets, whereas Farhan Ahmed and Ralphie Albert shared four wickets between them.

Meanwhile, the Group B fixture between the USA and New Zealand was washed out due to rain.

USA managed to score 253-9 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a sublime century from Nitish Sudini.

Sudini made an unbeaten 117* from 133 balls, coming out to bat at No 07 position.

In reply, New Zealand made 12 in one over before rain arrived and halted the proceedings.

Later, the match was called off due to weather conditions, with no further play possible.

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