New Zealand was made to work hard by Nepal before winning its ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012 warm-up match by 19 runs in Brisbane.
Captain Will Young stroked a fine 97 to lift New Zealand to 267-8 in 50 overs but Naresh Budayair led Nepal’s spirited fight back and slammed an excellent 114 as his side finished at 248-9 in 50 overs.
Budayair faced 142 balls and hit six fours and featured in a 129 runs second wicket partnership with Subash Khakurel (59). The other partnership of note was for the third wicket when Budayair added 26 runs with Hasim Ansari (11).
For New Zealand, Arnie Yugaraja with three for 25 was the pick of the bowlers.
Earlier, Young smashed 11 fours in a 99-ball 97 and added 104 runs for the fourth wicket with Henry Walsh (53). Cam Fletcher with 43 was the other notable run-getter and put on 33 runs for the fifth wicket with Young.
For Nepal, Saurav Khanal with three for 46 was the most successful bowler while Rahul Vishvakarrma took two for 63.
New Zealand will face Scotland at John Blanck Oval on the second day of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup which will be staged from 11 to 26 August in Queensland while Nepal will take on Australia on 13 Aug in front of ESPN STAR Sports’ cameras at Tony Ireland Stadium.
Scores in brief: New Zealand 267-8, 50 overs (Will Young 97, Henry Walsh 53, Cam Fletcher 43; Saurav Khanal 3-46, Rahul Vishvakarma 2-62) defeated Nepal 248-9, 50 overs (Naresh Budayair 114, Subash Khakurel59; Arnie Yugaraja 3-25) by 19 runs.