Defending champions win warm-up

Captain Andrew Balbirnie picked up two wickets before steering Ireland to a win over Afghanistan with an unbeaten 108

England’s Group A rivals India prepared for the Under-19 World Cup with a 112-run victory over USA in a round of eight warm-up matches.

Opener Mayank Agarwal retired out on 104 in the defending champions’ 266 all out in 48.5 overs before the USA were dismissed in 48.2.

England’s first opponents, Hong Kong, lost to Sri Lanka by 88 runs.

Openers Udara Jayasundera and Andri Berenger retired after reaching three figures in Sri Lanka’s 313 for three.

Leg-spinner Saranga Rajaguru then picked up 4-43 as Hong Kong were dismissed in 48.2 overs.

England’s second opponents, Afghanistan, lost to Ireland by seven wickets.

Captain Andrew Balbirnie led Ireland to their target of 222 in 45 overs with 108 not out.

England, themselves, beat Papua New Guinea by eight wickets.

Elsewhere, all the sides batting first recorded victories.

Hosts New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 36 runs and Australia defeated West Indies by 41 runs, both under the Duckworth/Lewis Method.

South Africa saw off Canada by 93 runs and Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 38 runs.