ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2016: Day 1 Roundup

The 2016 edition of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup kicked off with hosts Bangladesh taking on champions South Africa. Just a few miles away, England took on Fiji in their Group C encounter. In spite of a magnificent century from Liam Smith, the hosts successfully pulled off a shock victory in the very first fixture of the tournament. England pulled off a comfortable victory over a hapless Fiji in their premier Group C encounter. Dan Lawrence and Jack Burnham blasted twin centuries as England secured a massive 299 run win.

Bangladesh shock South Africa by 43 Runs

Bangladesh began their U-19 World Cup Campaign with a bang securing a 43 run won over holders South Africa. Pinak Ghosh (43) and Joyraz Sheik (46) made useful contributions at the start of the innings, thus laying a solid foundation for the home side. The majority of the innings was however built around man of the match Najmul Hossain. The latter compiled a calm and collected knock of 73 made in 117 deliveries. His knock included 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Some tight bowling towards the close of the innings, especially from Wiaan Mulder (3/42) ensured that the Bangladeshis were reduced to 240/7 in their 50 overs.

The South African innings began with wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne in the third over. Liam Smith waged a lone battle as poor shot selection ensured in the removal of half the side with the score at 112. Dayyaan Galiem (22) and Liam Smith (100) attempted to revive the hapless South Africans only to fail hopelessly and eventually to be bowled out for 197.

South Africa become first Defending Champion to lost first game while defending the title in U19 Cricket World Cup.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh 240/7 in 50 overs (Nazmul Hossain 73, Wiaan Mulder 3/42)

South Africa 197 all out in 48.4 overs (Liam Smith 100, Mohammed Saifuddin 3/30)

England blast Fiji out of sight

England began their U-19 World Cup campaign with a bang courtesy of a 299 run win over a hapless Fiji. Dan Lawrence’s 174 off 150 deliveries was the standout performance of the day. His knock, compiled in a little over 3 hours include 25 boundaries and a solitary six. Lawrence was ably supported by Jack Burnham as the dup stitched a whopping 303 run partnership. Callum Taylor’s 21 run cameo towards the end of the innings ensured a massive total of 371/3.

The Fiji batting innings was entirely about two men- Sam Curran and Sadiq Mahmood. The duo ran riot, demolishing the entire top order and reducing the Fiji total to 24-6 within the 10 over mark. Curran and Mahmood succeeded in picking up three wickets apiece as the rest of the bowlers chipped in to close the Fiji innings at 72 in 27.3 overs. Peni  Vuniwaqa (36) put up a brief resistance, stalling the much anticipated England victory by 15 odd overs.

Brief Scores

England 371/3 in 50 overs (Dan Lawrence 174, Cakacaka Tikoisuva 1/59)

Fiji 72 all out in 27.3 overs (Peni  Vuniwaqa 36, Sadiq Mahmood 3/2)