England’s Under 19s have begun their World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion winning their first two Group A matches comprehensively in New Zealand.

Hampshire duo James Vince and Danny Briggs contributed in both matches with outstanding performances with bat and ball, ensuring England’s progression through to the quarter final stage of the competition, ahead of their final group match. 

In their opening game against Hong Kong, Vince hit a match winning 76 from 61 deliveries to guide England home to a nine wicket victory. After England had bowled Hong Kong out for 185 in the 31st over, Vince raced to his half century from 45 balls, before finishing unbeaten on 76 to earn him the Man of the Match award.

Hitting ten boundaries and a six, the Hawks’ batsman put on a second wicket partnership of 129 with Joe Root (70*) to guide the young lions to an assured victory.
Vince took to the crease after Chris Dent (33) was caught by Nizakat Khan from the bowling of Niaz Ali in the 10th over.

Earlier, Hong Kong had fallen to 32 for 3 before Irfan Ahmed (32) and Nizakat Khan (65) steadied the ship. However once Vince had caught Khan from the bowling of Warwickshire’s Ateeq Javid, Hong Kong lost their final five wickets for just 30 runs. Hampshire wicketkeeper Michael Bates was surplus to requirements with the bat, but caught Mark Chapman and Asif Khan behind from the bowling of David Payne who was the pick of England’s bowlers with 3 for 24 from 9 overs.  Although Briggs was unable to pick up a wicket, he bowled his full quota of 10 overs for 34 runs, with Vince also flexing his shoulders bowling 3 overs.

In the second match in Christchurch, Briggs helped England bowl out Afghanistan for 126 in the 48th over before Vince once again led England to a nine wicket victory.
Leicestershire’s Nathan Buck claimed three early wickets leaving Afghanistan 10 for 3 but a spirited 41 from Hashmat Shaidi helped to steer his side towards 100.Briggs was in inspirational form with the ball with 3 for 15 from 10 overs as England’s most economic bowler, and joint top wicket taker with Buck.
Briggs also had a hand in captains Noor-ul-Haq dismissal catching him for just two, and running out number 11, Izat Dawlatzai.

England comfortably overhauled the target with 24 overs to spare. Openers Chris Dent (53*) and Joe Root (25) put on 57 for the first wicket, but it was Vince who struck an unbeaten 47 to claim the plaudits in a composed batting display. After his 76* against Hong Kong, the Hawks’ star threatened to hit a second fifty but came short with 47 from 48 deliveries, with six 4s in the process.Jos Buttler took the reins from Michael Bates as wicketkeeper in the win.

England’s final Group A match will be on January 21 against current champions India, in what will be a tough encounter determining who tops the group ahead of the quarter final stage.         

Ally Fisher

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