New Zealand down Australia in U-19 tournament

New Zealand recorded their first win of the Under-19 International Series, beating Australia by 24 runs at Marrara Oval here Saturday.

In the end, New Zealand's total of 225 for nine proved too much for the Australians to chase down, who finished at 201 for nine from their 50 overs in the round 4 match.

The Australians looked promising with the ball early after losing the toss, but their economical start was wasted as edges went missing and poor fielding let the Kiwis get their eye in.

New Zealand opener and player of the match Rakitha Weerasundara capitalised on a number of dropped catches on his way to 75 and a few lower-order cameos saw the Kiwis reach a defendable total.

Cam Valente was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with four for 41 from his 10 overs, while Matt Kelly (2/33), Matt Fotia (1/54), Riley Ayre (1/28) and Gabe Bell (1/54) also chipped in.

The Aussies needed to bat well in reply, but New Zealand's bowlers snared wickets before any batsman could convert his start.

A fourth-wicket partnership between Ben McDermott (41) and captain Alex Gregory (26) gave the Aussies some hope, but New Zealand's bowlers continued to strangle the scoring.

Jake Doran was again the star for the Aussies with the bat with a run-a-ball 54 in the middle order, but by then the run-rate was too great.

Doran's unbeaten effort ensured the Kiwis didn't earn any bonus points, so Australia still sit second on the U-19 International Series points table, only ahead of third-placed NZ by a superior quotient.

India top the standings with 10 points having won both their matches.