U-19 CWC: Afg, NZ, SA progress to Super League

Wellington [New Zealand], Jan 17 (ANI): A scintillating double-century stand between New Zealand openers Jakob Bhula and Rachin Ravindra lit up the Hagley Oval as the hosts thrashed Kenya by a huge margin of 243 runs.

Bhula's astounding innings of 180 was the highest individual innings in the history of U-19 ODIs, while his 245-run opening partnership with Ravindra (117) was the best-ever opening stand in U-19 World Cup (WC).

The opening wicket partnership set the tone for more onslaught as batsman Finn Allen joined the party with a belligerent 90, that resulted in New Zealand notching a mammoth 436 for four. This was the second highest total in U-19 WC.

In the same group match, South African batsman Wandile Makwetu scored an unbeaten run-a-ball 99 and fast bowler Hermann Rolfes took four wickets to help 2014 champions South Africa defeat last year's defending champions, West Windies by 76 runs.

The result means New Zealand and South Africa have progressed to the Super League after two successive wins, while West Indies and Kenya, following back-to-back defeats, will now feature in the Plate Championship.

Elsewhere, Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka by 32 runs to become the first side to qualify for the Super League from Group D.

This result means the winner of Sri Lanka and Pakistan match on January 19 in Whangarei will become the second side to progress to the Super League from Group D.

In the fourth and last match of the day, Australia coasted to a comfortable seven wickets victory over Zimbabwe to notch up their first win in Group B.

Australia will take on Papua New Guinea and India will meet Zimbabwe on Friday.

If both Australia and India win their respective matches, they will qualify for the Super League. (ANI)