U-19 World Cup: India beats New Zealand, enters final

India has defeated New Zealand U-19 team by 9 runs in the semi-final and has advanced in the final Thursday :)

India has reached to the final of the ICC event, where they will take on Australia on August 26.

This is India's fourth appearance in the finals of the ICC U-19 World Cup (2000, 2006, 2008, 2012).

Put in to bat, India scored 209/9 in 50 overs. In reply, New Zealand managed to score 200 in 50 overs. Harmeet Singh, Sandeep Sharma and Ravikant Singh picked two each.

Earlier, India's middle-order frittered away the good start provided by the top half as the team posted a disappointing 209 for nine after being put into bat.

Opener Prashant Chopra was the top-scorer for the Indians with a patient 104-ball 52, followed by number three batsman Baba Aparajith who added 44 runs to the total.

For the Kiwis, left-arm spinner Ben Horne was the top wicket-taker, picking up three for 23 in six overs, while medium pacer Matthew Quinn managed a couple of scalps.

U-19 ICC: Pakistan defeat New Zealand with 5 wickets

BUDERIM: Former world champions Pakistan U-19 team defeated New Zealand with five wickets in its last round match Thursday at John Blanck Oval in Buderim, Geo News reported.

Pakistan is now set to face its arch-rival India in a mouth-watering quarterfinal clash in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2012 on Monday, August 20.

Two-time former champion India won their match against against Papua New Guinea by 107 runs in Group C fixture at Endeavour Park 1.

In today’s match, New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first. New Zealand’s middle order batsman Henry Walsh was the only top scorer with 33 runs while middle order Robert O’Donnell made 29. New Zealand was restricted to 152 runs.

Pakistan’s Zia-ul-Haq took 2 wickets for 27 while Mohammad Nawaz also took 2 wickets for 37 and received man of the match award.

In reply, Pakistan’s middle order batsman Imam-ul-Haq was the top scorer with 40 runs while middle order batsman Saad Ali made 32 paving way to an easy win over Kiwis. Pakistan accomplished the target in 31.2 overs.

Pakistan has now secured the top position with six points in Group B.