Aussie teens trounce Zimbabwe

The Australia Under 19s have cruised to victory in their second match at the 2018 ICC Under 19 World Cup, defeating Zimbabwe by seven wickets in Lincoln today.

After defeat to India to open their World Cup campaign, the Australians bounced back to bowl out Zimbabwe for 134 then chase down the total in the 19th over.

Fast bowler Ryan Hadley and batsman Nathan McSweeney came into the starting XI for their World Cup debuts.

Queensland Bulls quick Xavier Bartlett was named player of the match for his 3-20 off seven overs.

Will Sutherland (2-21) and Lloyd Pope (2-31) also claimed a brace of wickets, while Jonathan Merlo and Hadley claimed one each.

In reply, Jack Edwards got Australia off to a flyer with 40 runs from 20 balls, following on from a standout individual performance against India.

Fellow opener Max Bryant also had an impact with 44 off 27 deliveries, while captain Jason Sangha contributed 30 off 47 balls.

Australia will now take on Papua New Guinea in their third group match on Friday, again in Lincoln.

The top two teams from each group go through to the quarter-final stages, with Australia currently second in Group B.

Australia Under 19s squad: Jason Sangha (c), Will Sutherland (vc), Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Jack Edwards, Zak Evans, Jarrod Freeman, Ryan Hadley, Baxter Holt, Nathan McSweeney, Jonathan Merlo, Lloyd Pope, Jason Ralston, Param Uppal, Austin Waugh. Coach: Ryan Harris. Assistant Coach: Chris Rogers.

Australia fixtures

January 14: Australia (228) def by India (7-328) at Bay Oval, Tauranga

January 17: Australia (3-135) def Zimbabwe (134) at Lincoln No.3

January 19: Australia v PNG at Lincoln No.3 (10.30am local)