Under 19 World Cup Day 5 – Canada resist but PNG crumble

Afghanistan U19s (200 ao, Safi 62, Signi 4/18) beat Papua New Guinea U19s (65 ao, Oru 13, Naveed 3/14) by 135 runs

Papua New Guinea’s batters struggled again as the pacific islanders were comprehensively defeated by Afghanistan, despite an improved bowling performance.

For the second consecutive game, PNG lost the toss and were asked to bat first at Diego Martin Sports Complex, Trinidad. The Garamuts bowlers shortly found themselves on the end of an onslaught by the Afghan openers before Barnabas Maha claimed the opening wicket at 36/1. The score quickly became 40/3 as Rasan Kevau claimed two further wickets. From there, the Afghans rebuilt with a 100 partnership, led by captain Suliman Safi (62). Contributions from Ijaz Ahmadzai and Khaiber Wali helped the Afghans to reach 176/4, before Katenalaki Singi sparked a collapse for PNG. Singi took four wickets, with Aue Oru taking 2 and Kevau adding a third as Afghanistan were bowled out for 200.

The Afghans struck immediately in reply, with seamer Bilal Sami removing Peter Karoho with the first ball. PNG’s batting could not get going, as the PNG top order soaked up balls but added little to the scorecard. After the 7^th over, a regular stream of wickets began, which saw PNG collapse to 65 all out. Only Oru made double figures for PNG at 13, but extras (21) accounted for one third of the PNG total. Wickets were shared between the Afghan attack, with Izharulhaq Naveed claiming 3/14. Lanka Premier League star Noor Ahmed took two, including the final wicket.

Afghanistan’s next match is against Pakistan on Thursday, whilst PNG play their final group game on Saturday against the same opposition.

England U19s (320/7, Prest 93, Sharma 3/51) beat Canada U19s (214 ao, Singh 44, Boyden 4/44) by 106 runs

Canada put up a strong resistance in their second group game but were ultimately outclassed by full members England.

Canada won the toss and chose to field first at Warner Park, St. Kitts. After a steady start, Parmveer Kharoud got the first breakthrough for the Canadians, dismissing Jacob Bethell. From there, Canada struggled for wickets as England built partnerships around a 93-run innings from Tom Prest. Though Canada picked up occasional wickets, England were able to accelerate to a 320/7 total at the end of the innings. Kairav Sharma was the pick of the Canadian bowlers with 3/51.

In reply, Canada lost an early wicket when Siddh Lad was adjudged LBW to Josh Boyden in the 5^th over. The Canadians were able to build partnerships, and at 72/1 in the 15^th over, were keeping up with England’s equivalent score. However, the dismissal of Yasir Mahmood for 25 slowed Canada down, and England’s spinners began to pick apart the middle order. At 109/6 in the 32^nd over, England may have thought of an early finish. However, a partnership of 74 between Gurnek Singh and Ethan Gibson saw Canada rally through another 10 overs. Singh made 44, and Gibson 33, but both fell to Boyden. The Canadians were eventually all out in the 49^th over, well short of England’s total but having firmly rebuffed England’s bowling for significant periods.

Canada return to action on Thursday against Bangladesh.

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