Northern Territory were defeated by Queensland on day one of Cricket Australia’s Under 19 National Championships in Perth.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Queensland made a strong start. Australian Under 19 representative Steven Hogan (92) and Jayden Draper (46) combined for a 100-run opening stand.
Rehaan Shyamsundar (Southern Districts) claimed the first breakthrough, while 15-year-old Junaid Mansoor (Waratah) bowled economically through the middle overs, finishing with 1/49 from his 10 overs.
James Hatton (Nightcliff), Nicholas Fleming (Nightcliff) and Max Menzies (Darwin) added a wicket each as Queensland reached 5/309 from their 50 overs.
NT’s batting innings saw each of the top seven reach double figures and show glimpses of their potential. Regular wickets prevented any sustained momentum in the chase, with NT bowled out for 185.
Aayan Nadeem (Footscray) top scored with 62, while Cadell McMahon (Palmerston) added 24 and Nicholas Fleming finished unbeaten on 23 to provide valuable lower-order resistance.
Head Coach Trent Keep said he was encouraged by the intent shown across the group.
“I was really pleased with the way the boys approached today and the way they played the game. It was one of those days where the scoreboard did not reflect how well we competed. We lost a few crucial moments and were a little off in the field, but these are things we will look to correct in tomorrow’s game.”
NT will now turn their attention to their match against South Australia on day two of the Under 19 National Championships.
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