CD Under 19 star EMMA MCLEOD top-scored with a half century (59 off 39 balls) in a victory overnight for New Zealand Under 19 at the ICC Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Rwanda won the toss and elected to bat first, reaching 95 for seven in their 20 overs. 

New Zealand lost two wickets up front in the chase, slipping to 9/2 inside the first couple of overs before McLeod steadied the ship for New Zealand.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

https://www.u19worldcup.com/video/3030521

Rosine Irera did the early damage, trapping Georgia Plimmer (9) in front and then having Izzy Gaze caught and bowled without scoring.

McLeod took it upon herself to change the course of the contest.

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She carted two sixes and nine boundaries, speeding to 59 from 39 balls. 

Izzy Sharp (11 from 24 balls) hung around in support.

The Super Six win puts New Zealand U19 in a strong position to make it into the semi-finals. 

SCORES

Toss: Rwanda U19

Rwanda U19 95/7 (20 overs)

Henriette Ishimwe 30, Gisele Ishimwe 27, Olivia Anderson two for 21

Kate Chandler 2-21

New Zealand 99/6 (16.1 overs)

Emma McLeod 59, Izzy Sharp 11

Rosine Irera 3-17

New Zealand U19 won by six wickets