An impressive five-wicket haul by pacer Matt Fotia saw Australia off to a flying start in the U-19 International Series with a 19-run win over New Zealand at the Marrara Oval here Sunday.
The Australian bowlers built up pressure and snatched five wickets in five overs to win the game.
New Zealand had been cruising in their chase of Australia's total of 225/6 from 50 overs but fell short thanks to tight bowling by Fotia (5/38). Cam Valente (2/30), Riley Ayre (1/30), Jeremy Maher (1/27) and Jake Doran (1/5) also chipped in with the Kiwis being bowled out in 49.2 overs.
Starts from Matt Short (37) and Tom Leaver (31) got Australia off to a promising start but New Zealand reeled the Aussies in with three quick wickets. Jake Doran steadied the middle order with a superb 79 not out and put together a valuable 90-run partnership with Ben McDermott (36) to see Australia reach 225.
Australia's next match will be against India here Tuesday.
