By Daniel Beswick in Kuala Lumpur
A collective effort from USA's 15-player squad has brought about the first headline at the U19 World Cup Malaysia, with Anika Kolan's side holding on for a 13-run win over New Zealand in their warm-up match at the Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar Ground in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
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The Americans' continued youth push in the senior ranks looks to have battle-hardened the side for their U19 World Cup tilt, defending 120 thanks to three-wicket hauls from Isani Vaghela (3/26 off four overs) and Saanvi Immadi (3/16 off four overs).
Earlier, death over hitting from Ritu Singh (36 from 25 balls) backed the early batting work from Chetna Padygala (24) and captain Kolan (20) in the win.
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Watch the moment India lifted the trophy after their win over England in the final of the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup.
Over at UKM Oval in Bangi, Pakistan survived an almighty Nigerian scare, held to 105/6 only to restrict the African side to 94/6.
Nigeria were 79/1 at the 16-over mark, only for Quratulain's 2/9 (4) to quash any idea of an upset.
Australia and India flexed their muscles in the Malaysian capital, making scores above eight an over before bowling out the hosts and Scotland respectively for double-digit totals.
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In afternoon action, England chased down Samoa's 80/8, with Jemima Spence and Erin Thomas retiring on 20 and 34 respectively, making way for Charlotte Stubbs and Trudy Johnson to pass the total unbeaten. The teams agreed to play out the 20 overs, as England eventually reached 158 with nine batters spending time in the middle.
Eight wickets were shared between six England bowlers, though Samoa skipper Avetia Fetu Mapu remained unbeaten, making 28 not out.
It was the bat of Juairiya Ferdous (55 not out) that helped Bangladesh claim a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka, chasing down 125 with nine balls to spare.
Back over in Mantin, the Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar Ground almost saw a second surprise, only for the West Indies to hold Nepal at bay.
Despite the best efforts of Seemana KC (23) and Puja Mahato (18), the Nepalis fell nine runs short of West Indies' 109. Trisha Hardat, Aaliyah Weekes and Amiah Gilbert all claimed two wickets each.
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Photo credit: USA Cricket
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