Westley guides England to opening win
England Under-19s took an early lead in their series against New Zealand Under-19s with a six-wicket win in a rain-affected match at Canterbury
Cricinfo staff
08-Aug-2008
England U-19s 176 for 4 (Westley 46*, Wakely 44) beat New Zealand U-19s 231 for 8 (Boam 41) by six wickets (D/L method)
Scorecard
Scorecard
England Under-19s took an early lead in their series against New Zealand Under-19s with a six-wicket win in a rain-affected match at Canterbury. A calm stand of 55 between captain Tom Westley and Liam Dawson guided them to an adjusted target of 176 with seven balls to spare.
As is the case with the senior side, New Zealand failed to give up despite having problems throughout the day. Their top order wobbled to 99 for 4 before some useful lower-order efforts lifted them to a competitive 231 for 8. Harry Boam was the top-scorer with 41. England didn't help their own cause by providing 32 extras, including 13 wides and six no-balls.
Alex Wakely got England ahead of the rate at the start of the chase with 44 off 36 balls - twice clearing the boundary - but from 77 without loss three wickets fell for 16, Boam again playing his part with his medium pace.
However, when a captain's innings was needed Westley provided one and moved along at a run-a-ball, while Dawson kept England above the rate with a 21-ball 27. New Zealand will have a chance for revenge straight away with the second match taking place on Sunday, again at Canterbury.