Cachopa steers NZ U-19 to victory

Craig Cachopa, the New Zealand Under-19 captain, scored an unbeaten 76 to lead his team to a five-wicket victory in the first of three preparatory matches for the World Cup against Pakistan Under-19 at Blenheim. Chasing 222 for victory, New Zealand chased down the target in the 38th over.

New Zealand put Pakistan in after winning the toss in blustery conditions and right-arm medium-pacer Bevan Small decimated the top order during a fiery opening spell, at one stage having figures of 3 for 12. Ahmad Shahzad (52) and Rameez Aziz (52) steadied the innings, compiling 70 for the fourth wicket. After Ahmad's dismissal Aziz combined with Muhammad Azam, adding another 63 for the fifth wicket. Small was the best of the New Zealand bowlers with 3 for 33, while right-arm medium-pacer Doug Bracewell took 2 for 45.

Despite losing their first wicket before a run was scored, and being 2 for 17 at one stage, the hosts were untroubled during their chase. Corey Anderson (39) and Jimmy Neesham (58) kick-started the innings with a third-wicket partnership of 79, setting the tone for the rest of the innings. Cachopa then featured in two strong partnerships, putting on 52 for the fifth wicket with Jono Hickey, and an unbeaten 50 from just 38 balls with Harry Boam to see the side through to victory.