U-19 WC: Big 4 start with wins

New Zealand battled to a two-wicket win over hosts Bangladesh today in the under-19 World Cup. England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka also emerged winners of their respective first limited-overs matches today.

The Kiwis made 204-8 with four balls to spare after Bangladesh were all out for 202 at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu National Stadium. Craig Smith claimed four Bangladesh wickets for 43 runs, supported by Teahu Davis’ 3-34. Bangladesh opening batsman Nafis Iqbal hit 67 runs.

England, playing in Chittagong, beat Nepal by eight wickets. England scored 192-4 in reply to Nepal’s 191-8.

Pakistan trounced Papua New Guinea by eight wickets. Papua New Guinea made a paltry 60 in 17.5 overs, and Pakistan reached the winning target in 14.5 overs.