Victorians dominate Under-19 series

New Zealand looked to be cruising to victory when they were 3-180, in pursuit of Australia’s 8-220, before Victorian quick Ben Ashkenazi removed opener Rakitha Weerasundara for 90 and triggered a collapse which saw the Kiwis lose 5-18.

New Zealand’s tailenders regrouped to secure a one-wicket victory off the final ball of the match as Australia claimed the series 2-1.

Northcote batsman Matt Short was the leading run-scorer for the Australians on the tour, which included three one-day matches and a three-day fixture, with 236 runs, at an average of 47.20 and a strike-rate of 91.47.

Short also struck the highest score by an Australian on the tour with 113, from 127 deliveries, in the first one-day international.

Despite missing the final one-day match, Ringwood paceman Matt Fotia was Australia’s best bowler of the tour with nine wickets at an average of 19.88, including dominant performances in the first two limited-overs fixtures, where he claimed 4-44 and 3-41.

Footscray-Edgewater all-rounder Guy Walker impressed in his first series with the Australian side, collecting nine wickets, including a match-winning spell of 3-44 in the second one-dayer.

Frankston Peninsula paceman Ashkenazi showed why he was named the Commonwealth Bank Future Star Award winner this season, opening the bowling with great vigour.

All the Victorians are expected to be key players in the Australian set-up for the Under-19 World Cup which will take place in the United Arab Emirates next February.