Under-19 cricket: India trounce New Zealand

India achieved another comprehensive win in the U-19 International Tri-Series beating New Zealand by seven wickets at the Marrara Oval here Wednesday to top the standings.

Chasing a modest 120 in 50 overs, India got home in 24.1 overs. The U-19 World Champions, who top the group winning all four games and collecting 19 points, will take on hosts Australia in Friday's final. Both Australia and New Zealand finished on four points with one win each, but the hosts pipped their neighbours by net run rate.

Electing to bat first, New Zealand were bowled out for a measly 119 from 47.2 overs with only four batsmen getting into double figures. After losing the first five wickets for 68, Kiwi batsmen Graeme Tryon (13) and Kyle Jamieson (34) tried to stabilise the innings through a 35-run partnership. But after Tryon was caught, the rest of the wickets fell in a span of 16 runs.

Pacer Deepak Hooda (3/26) and offie Aamir Gani (2/15) rattled the New Zealand batsman while Abhimanyu Lamba, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Saif took a wicket each.

India achieved the target with ease. Vijay Zol, later named man of the match, top scored with 46 not out. The left-handed batsman hit six boundaries and a six and was well suppported by Akhil Herwadkar (25) and Sanju Samson (23).

Dane Watson (2/46) and Jamieson (1/30) were the main wicket takers for New Zealand.