NZ, SA enter plate semis of U-19 WC

New Zealand and South Africa put aside the disappointment of not qualifying for the Super League of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup by making winning starts in the Plate Championship which decides the 9-16 positions.

New Zealand bounced back from its defeats to India and Nepal in Group D to brush aside Scotland by seven wickets in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday.

South Africa, the defending champion who failed to finish among the top two in Group A, breezed past Ireland by eight wickets in another quarter-final here.

Scotland was restricted to 181 for nine after electing to bat with left-arm seamer Ross ter Braak claiming three for 34. Owais Shah top-scored for the Scots with 32.

New Zealand made short work of the target as Glenn Phillips smashed 89 in an opening stand of 98 with Daniel Stanley from just 11.4 overs. The 40-ball blitz from Phillips contained 11 boundaries and six sixes.

Skipper Josh Finnie, who remained unbeaten on 30 as New Zealand won in 27 overs, said it was a good start for his team in the Plate championship. South Africa kept Ireland down to 185 for seven despite an unbeaten 77 by Lorcan Tucker. Willem Ludick and Dayyaan Giliem claimed two wickets each. Kyle Verreynne hit 77, adding 104 for the first wicket with Liam Smith (49), as South Africa coasted home with four overs to spare. Wiaan Mulder remained unbeaten on 43.