New Zealand’s World Cup Report: Huge future for a talented squad
Wins – 5
Losses – 1
Finishing position – Semi-finalists
The quality of young cricketers coming through the New Zealand system is clearly high after a terrific campaign for the Kiwis.
They dominated the first group stage and were outstanding in the Super Six too, qualifying for the final four with maximum points.
Just one New Zealand wicket fell across their first three matches, but the batters will be keen to work out why they misfired at the crucial moment, failing to really trouble India in the semi-final.
The dominance of the New Zealand top order is further proof that some of the batters in this squad have extremely bright futures ahead.
And we won't have to wait long to see at least one of this excited group of players in action again, with Georgia Plimmer named as part of the senior squad for the Women's T20 World Cup.
STAR PERFORMER – Georgia Plimmer
New Zealand have already capped Georgia Plimmer at senior level and the powerful right-hander lit up the tournament with her aggression with the bat.
Plimmer finished with 155 runs to her name across five innings, averaging 51.66, and she was the lone bright spark with the bat against India in the semi-final.
NOTABLE MENTION – Anna Browning
The Kiwi all-rounder was superb with bat and ball, scoring 127 runs at an average of 42.33 and taking six wickets in the tournament.
She was the only bowler to take Indian wickets in the semi-final, and helped get her side off to consistently decent starts every time she came to the crease in the group stages.
WHAT THE MENTOR SAID
Former New Zealand international and ICC Mentor Frankie MacKay worked closely with the Kiwi squad.
“Having an U19 tournament has just been fantastic,” she said.
“It’s such a special time, it’s going to have been a life-changing event for some, and it’s been huge for their cricketing development.”
RESULTS
Indonesia – Won by 10 wickets
Ireland – Won by 9 wickets
West Indies – Won by 10 wickets
Rwanda – Won by 4 wickets
Pakistan – Won by 103 runs
India – Lost by 8 wickets
