England U19s v Zimbabwe U19s: Group Stage Game 1 Match Report

England’s World Cup campaign began with a dominant 176 run victory over Zimbabwe.

Captain Grace Scrivens was POTM after scoring 45 (32) and finishing with figures of 4/2 © England Cricket

The young Three Lions batted first with skipper Grace Scrivens opening the batting along side Thunder’s Liberty Heap. Heap’s cameo of 25 from 12 was stopped as Olinder Chare took the first wicket of the game. Niamh Holland top scored with 59 (37) but was prevented from causing any more damage as Kudzai Chigora targeted the middle stump, sending Holland back to the pavilion after an explosive knock. Despite Scrivens’ and Charis Pavely’s innings of 45 and a brave ramp for four in the last over by Davina Perrin, England fell short of the 200 mark and finished on 199/4.

With 200 to chase, Zimbabwe came to the crease with positive intent. This did not pay off as left-arm spinner, Sophia Smale bowled out Natasha Mtomba in the third over, leaving Zimbabwe 7/1 at the end of the over. England successes continued as Zimbabwe slipped to 15/4 at the end of the sixth over but it was Scrivens’ impressive figures of 4/2 which caused Zimbabwe to be bowled out for 23 runs, falling short of the target by 176 runs.

England’s next test will be against Pakistan on Tuesday 17th January at 11.45am (GMT) at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Full scorecard: https://www.u19worldcup.com/match/101650

(Based on the ICC Website’s scorecard & footage)