Marlborough to host NZ v Pakistan U19 series

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that the New Zealand and Pakistan Under 19 national sides will play a three-match One-Day International series in Blenheim in early January 2010.

The series – to be played at Horton Park – will be a build up for both teams ahead of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup which begins in Christchurch later in January.

Marlborough Cricket Association chairman Greg Stretch said the region was delighted to be hosting the two teams.

“We’re really looking forward to having these exciting young cricketers playing in Blenheim,” he said.

“This will be an important part of their preparation for the World Cup – and I’m sure the series will be hard fought.

“It’s a great endorsement for the facilities and ground conditions we have at Horton Park to be hosting such a high-profile international series.”

Both teams will also play a warm-up match against a Marlborough XI.

The matches were originally scheduled to be played at Galloway Park, Hamilton, but were relocated to Blenheim which offered better facilities and wickets.

The series schedule is:

Jan 1 New Zealand U19 vs Marlborough XI
Jan 2 Pakistan U19 v Marlborough XI
Jan 4 1st ODI New Zealand U19 vs Pakistan U19
Jan 6 2nd ODI New Zealand U19 vs Pakistan U19
Jan 8 3rd ODI New Zealand U19 vs Pakistan U19