The New Zealand U-19 squad. Photo: ICC The New Zealand U-19 squad. Photo: ICC New Zealand defeated Samoa by 67 runs in the final Group C match of the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025 at Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawakpwbet gaming, Malaysia on Tuesday, January 22. (More Cricket News)
Two defeats in two, and New Zealand were on the brink of making an unceremonious first-round exit. The semi-finalists in the inaugural edition in 2023, the Kiwis were handed a 22-run defeat by South Africa in their opener.
But things got complicated following a shock defeat to tournament debutants Nigeria. Chasing a 66-run target in the rain-affected, 13-over game, New Zealand were stopped at 63/6, for a two-run defeat. And they needed to beat Samoa in their final group match.
His words were not just a testament to his self-belief but also a glimpse into the fierce determination that would come to define his illustrious career. Perhaps that's why in the realm of hockey, few names command the respect, love and admiration that Sreejesh does.
Sreejesh, who retired from the national team after the Paris Olympics, opened up about his love story during an interaction with PTI editors on Tuesday, speaking candidly about how he fell for Aneeshya. He was already studying at the sports school, located in Kannur, when Aneeshya got admitted in 2001.
Asked to set a target, New Zealand once again failed to make an impression with the bat. But a total of 109/9 proved more than enough against score-shy Samoans. Angel Sootaga, with eight runs, was the top scorer in the innings.
For New Zealand, skipper Tash Wakelin (3/3) and Rishika Jaswal (3/12) claimed three wickets each while Sophie Court took a brace (2/5). But the star of the match was Wolland. She hit 48 off 43.
The win helped New Zealand qualify for the Super Six, and will join South Africa and Nigeria in the next stage. The African rivals meet in the final Group C match.
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Playing XIs:
crystal slotsWSMWU19 Playing XIs:: Norah Jade Salima, Angel Sootaga So (wk), Verra Farane, Olive Lefaga Lemoe, Avetia Fetu Mapu (c), Stella Sagalala, Jane Taliilagi Manase, Stefania Pauga, Barbara Ella Keresoma, Katrina Uiese Taa Samu, Masina Tafea.
NZWU19 Playing XIs: Emma McLeod, Kate Irwin, Kate Chandlerpwbet gaming, Anika Todd, Eve Wolland, Tash Wakelin (c), Darcy Prasad (wk), Hannah O’Connor, Sophie Court, Rishika Jaswal, Louisa Kotkamp
