England fall at the last

James Neesham smashed 20 not out off five deliveries to give New Zealand Under-19s a remarkable last-ball victory over England Under-17s in the tour match at Sleaford CC.

The Kiwis, set 314 to win, looked destined for defeat as they began the last over of their innings requiring a further 25.

But Neesham, the number nine, hit struck fours and two sixes off James Burke as New Zealand pulled off an extraordinary two-wicket triumph.

England Under-17s line up ahead of their defeat

The unfortunate Burke’s 10 overs cost 91 runs, with Craig Capocha making a fine 70 and Dennis Bracewell hitting 53 off just 40 balls.

New Zealand were also indebted to a rapid 47 from Harry Boam, who earlier returned commendable figures of 2-44.

England’s innings was built around a fine century from Worcestershire batsman Jack Manuel, who underlined his growing reputation with 107 off 130 balls, while Somerset’s James Buttler added late impetus with 77 off just 49 deliveries.

Nathan Buck and Danny Briggs deserve credit for their performances with the ball for the hosts, taking 2-26 and 1-40 respectively from 10 overs apiece.

The sides meet again in a two-day encounter at the same venue starting on Wednesday, before the Test series between England U19 and New Zealand U19 gets under way on Sunday at Taunton.

Scorecard - England U17 v New Zealand U19, Tour Match, July 21 2008 (37 KB)