The ongoing Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup paved way for two contrasting fixtures on January 24 (Tuesday). In the Group 2 match between New Zealand and Pakistan, the former registered a thumping 103-run victory at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, while in the Group 1 match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, the latter ended up losing an edge-of-the-seat thriller by one run at North-West University No1 Ground in Potchefstroom.
New Zealand vs Pakistan
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, and the toss was perhaps the only thing that went in their favour. On the back of
Georgia Plimmer's half-century (53 runs off 38 balls) and handy contributions from Emma McLeod (32 runs off 18 balls) and Anna Browning (31 runs off 25 balls), New Zealand posted a mammoth total of 178/7 in 20 overs. For Pakistan, Anosha Nasir (3/32 in four overs) was the pick of all bowlers.
In reply to the daunting target set by New Zealand, Pakistan's batters capitulated without putting up any resistance. The top five batters failed to reach double figures as Areesha Noor (24 runs off 39 balls), who walked out to bat at number seven, was the top scorer. Pakistan could only manage to score 75/7 in 20 overs and ended up losing the match by a massive margin of 103 runs.
For New Zealand, Natasha Codyre (2/14 in three overs) was the pick of all bowlers.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka
After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first, and on the back of Kayla Reyneke (43 runs off 49 balls) knock, the hosts posted a competitive total of 134/7 in 20 overs. For Sri Lanka, Vidushika Perera (3/25 in four overs) was the pick of all bowlers.
In reply, Sri Lanka looked set to chase down the target with opener Nethmi Senarathne scoring 36 runs off 49 balls. The Islanders lost their way completely and from 109/3 they found themselves tottering at 129/8. In the end, Sri Lanka managed to score 133/8 in 20 overs and ended up losing the game by a solitary run.
For South Africa, Kayla Reyneke (2/16 in four overs) was the pick of all bowlers.
