BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – Ireland Under-19s Men’s opening bowling pair, Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley, grabbed three wickets apiece as the Irish side dominated the USA in the opening match of the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.
The two pace bowlers decimated the America top order, leaving them 26-4 in the first powerplay. Wilson’s opening wicket, bowling Aryaman Suri for 1, was a superb inswinger that cleaned up the opener’s off stump and set the tone for what was to come.
Captain Philippe le Roux rang the bowling changes soon after, but there was no let up for the USA as spinner Carson McCullough (1-23) and seamer John McNally (2-17) kept the pressure on.
At 72-8 in the 28th over, the USA tail-enders put up some much-needed resistance with Khush Bhalala (22) and Ateendra Subramanian (8) putting on 29 for the 9th wicket, but Wilson’s return to the bowling crease saw the breakthrough and the innings soon came to an end on 105 in the 41st over. Wilson (3-23) and Riley (3-21) took most of the plaudits, but credit should be shared across the whole bowling unit given the economical rate at which every bowler contributed.
Despite losing two early wickets in the reply, the Irish batters looked composed and focussed in seeing out a successful run chase. Ryan Hunter (50*) and Kian Hilton (23) put on 59 for the third wicket to calm any nerves in the Irish dressing room, before skipper le Roux (23*) joined Hunter and the pair saw their side across the line with 27.1 overs to spare.
Ireland Under-19s Men are back in action on Monday against Bangladesh, starting at 8am (Ireland time). That match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Mix.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland U19 Men v USA U19 Men, Group A, U19 Men’s World Cup, Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, 19 January 2024
USA 105 (40.2 overs;K Bhalala 22, A Arepally 11; O Riley 3-21, R Wilson 3-23)
Ireland 109-3 (22.5 overs; R Hunter 50*; A Garg 2-31)
Ireland U19s Men won by 7 wickets
