Pakistan U19 turns tables in win over New Zealand

The Pakistan U19 team has levelled its three-match series against New Zealand with a six-wicket win at Blenheim on Tuesday.

After a shaky start to its innings, losing three early wickets, Pakistan was rarely under pressure in chasing down its target of 208, with Rameez Pinjara finishing unbeaten on 82.

The New Zealand bowling attack made a positive start to have Pakistan at 3-35 at one stage, but the tide turned with Rameez and captain Azeem Ghumman (41) adding 97 for the fourth wicket. Rameez then combined with Hammad Azam (42 not out) to see the side home in the 47th over.

It was a hard-hitting effort from Pakistan, its total included 22 boundaries, with half of those from the bat of Rameez.

Batting first, New Zealand opened briskly to reach 100-4 in 20 overs, with opener Tom Latham contributing a solid 44. However the Pakistan attack, led by leg-spinner Usman Qadir, dominated the middle order and the home side was unable to put on a substantial partnership together. Harry Boam (25) offered some resistance but New Zealand found themselves for 131-8 in the 30th over.

It was left to Jonathan Hickey (34) and Dane Cleaver (37) to shore up the innings, the pair putting on a welcome 70 runs in their ninth-wicket stand.

The two teams are playing the unofficial series as part of its warm-up for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup starting later this month. New Zealand U19 won the opening match, while the third and deciding match is on Thursday.

Score summary:

New Zealand U19s v Pakistan U19s

At Blenheim

New Zealand U19s: 207 in 45.5 overs (Latham 44, Cleaver 37, Hickey 34; Usman Qadir 3-28, Fayyaz Butt 2-40, Sarmad Bhatti 2-40, Kaleem Sana 2-48)

Pakistan U19s: 211-4 in 46.3 overs (Rameez Pinjara 82 not out, Hammad Azam 42 not out., Azeem Ghumman 41; D Bracewell 2-25)

Pakistan U19s won by six wickets.