ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier – Media Release

Denmark vs Norway

There was plenty of action and good cricket on show in a must win clash between Nordic rivals Denmark and Norway. Choosing to bat, Norway started strong despite the early departure of one of their openers. Kabir Mangal (96) was crucial for the Norwegian’s, batting through to the 43^rd over before falling just short of a century. Denmark maintained pressure with the ball and took wickets at regular intervals, eventually bowling Norway out for 176.

The Danish chase started in disastrous fashion as they quickly found themselves on 18 for 4. Knowing a win was crucial to keep their promotion chances alive, a number of small partnerships followed. The loss of the 7^th wicket with the score on 67 looked to sink the Danish hopes even further, however, it proved to be the start of a miraculous recovery. Aftab (57*) combined with Aktar (38) to slowly bat Denmark back into the game. The loss of Aktar on 132 swung the momentum back in Norway’s favour, but Denmark managed to control the nerves and batted with great patience to secure a narrow victory in the 41^st over.

Netherlands vs Belgium

Netherlands Captain Gorlee continued his winning run at the toss and once again chose to bat. Openers Singh (66) and Etman (41) started strong, putting on 87 for the first wicket. The Belgian bowlers maintained a tight line in the English heat, occasionally rewarded with a wicket. The Netherlands batted with patience, rotating the strike and pushing for two’s and three’s. It was a captain’s innings from Gorlee (103*), who accelerated in the final overs to push the total to 278 for 6 and bring up his century on the final ball of the innings.

Belgium did not look like chasing the massive total as they lost their first wicket on the third ball. The Belgian batters struggled with the Dutch pace attack as Elenbaas claimed 3 for 6 and Kumar 4 for 13. In the end, Belgium were left stranded on 47 all out in the 21^st over.

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Group Standings

Group A

Group B