Australian youngsters collapse in day of surprises

The defending champions, Australia, lost to minnows Zimbabwe by seven wickets and Nepal overcame South Africa in a day of upsets yesterday at the Under-19 World Cup.

The defending champions, Australia, lost to minnows Zimbabwe by seven wickets and Nepal overcame South Africa in a day of upsets yesterday at the Under-19 World Cup.

The right-arm fast bowler Tinashe Panyangara took 6 for 31 as Australia, electing to bat first, were dismissed for 73 runs in the northern Bangladesh town of Bogra. It was their lowest total in the Under-19 World Cup.

Elton Chingumbura took the remaining four wickets for 17 runs as the Australians were bowled out in just 19 overs. Zimbabwe wrapped up the match before lunch cruising to a total of 75 for 3 in 18 overs.

In Chittagong, South Africa, opting to bat first, were bowled out for 156 in 50 overs. The lower-order batsman Keegan Africa's knock of 52 off 62 balls being one of the few highlights for South Africa.

The Nepal captain, Shakti Gauchan, hit 51 as the Himalayan nation dug in to reach a winning total of 158 for 9 with two balls to spare. Manjeet Shrestha emerged with figures of 4 for 15.