2018 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup

The luck of the Irish paid off at the end, but they were made to toil for 122 runs by a battling bowling performance.

That’s not what James Tau, captain for the day, would have been hoping for when he won the toss and opted to bat first on a sunny morning in South New Zealand.

Simon Atai, fresh off the best innings of his life, showed exactly why cricket can be such a cruel game. After scoring his personal best of 81 against Canada, Atai was out for a duck, in the very first over of the match.

Winning the toss, captain Vagi Karaho sent the Canadians in to bat first at Lincoln.

Akash Gill was the star with the bat, hitting 12 fours and two sixes for his 120 before finally being bowled out by Daure Aiga.

For the Garamuts, James Tau (2/37) and Leke Morea (2/69) picked up two wickets each.

Canada finished at 8/265.

In their pursuit of the target, a knock of 81 runs from opener Simon Atai was not enough as the Garamuts crumbled to be all out for 185 in 44 overs.

After a rain delayed start, Zimbabwe won the toss electing to field first at Lincoln No.3, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Garamuts openers, Simon Atai (14) and Igo Mahuru (26), steadied along to put on 41 runs for the first wicket.

The Garamuts were dealt another blow losing captain Vagi Karaho who managed one run before being given out leg before wicket off the bowling of Wesley Madhevere.

Ovia Sam (24*) and Sinaka Arua (18) tried to get things going again.