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 in Cox's Bazar.
New Zealand vs Scotland
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. “It's nice to get off to a good start,” he said.
“We bowled pretty well and picked up wickets at the right time. Then Glenn smashed a quick-fire 89 chasing a small target, which was a good way to go about it. Hopefully, we will continue the same way and get through to the final.”
Scotland captain Neil Flack conceded New Zealand played better and deserved to win, but his team too could take some positives from the game. “We showed we can bat 50 overs against a good side. We need to keep developing and make sure we finish the tournament on a high,” he said.
South Africa vs Ireland
South Africa kept Ireland down to 185/7 despite an unbeaten 77 by Lorcan Tucker. Willem Ludick and Dayyaan Giliem claimed two wickets each for the Proteas.
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.
“I think we did well to restrict Ireland to 185 considering it had won the toss and chosen to bat,” said South African captain Tony de Zorzi.
“The Irish bowlers tied our batsmen down in the first 10 overs but then Kyle and Liam opened up to put on a century stand and make it easy for us to chase the score. We want to represent our country with some pride, so are very keen to do well in our remaining matches.”
South Africa await the winner of Friday's match between Zimbabwe and Canada in the Plate semi-final on Monday. New Zealand take on either Afghanistan or Fiji on Tuesday.
Scores in brief:
Plate quarter-final: South Africa beat Ireland by eight wickets in Cox's BazarSouth Africa 187-2, 46 overs (Kyle Verreynne 77, Liam Smith 49, Wiaan Mulder 43) beat Ireland 185-7, 50 overs (Lorcan Tucker 77 not out; WillemLudick 2-43, Dayyaan Giliem 2-22)
Plate quarter-final: New Zealand beat Scotland by seven wickets in Cox's Bazar
New Zealand 185-3, 27 overs (Glenn Phillips 89, Josh Finnie 30 not out, Finn Allen 31 not out; Haris Aslam 2-37) beat Scotland 181-9, 50 overs (Owais Shah 32, Jack Waller 24; Rosster Braak 3-34, Nathan Smith 2-37)
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