Cricket: Kurtley Watson continues to bide his time

While our Northlander is yet to take the field for the New Zealand under-19 cricket side so far in the World Cup in Dubai, he could have the chance tonight in what will be a televised must-win match.

Kurtley Watson was not needed in the side's loss on Friday or their win on Sunday, to Sri Lanka and host nation the United Arabic Emirates respectively, after opening the bowling for New Zealand in a warm up match.

If given the chance, Watson's family and supporters in Northland could see the size 13 teenager bustling in on television - rather than watching basic ball-by-ball on a computer screen - with the winner going through to the play-offs.

Last week, the Northern Advocate sat down with Watson's parents who commented that it was nerve-racking following their son's progress without being able to watch him.

On Sunday, Watson's teammates disposed of the host nation by 112 runs to keep their play-off hopes alive.

New Zealand captain Robert O'Donnell made an unbeaten 107 to lead his side to victory.

Having won the toss and opted to bat, New Zealand were reduced to 50 for three at one stage, before O'Donnell combined with Shawn Hicks (70) to add 145 for the fourth wicket. O'Donnell, at his second World Cup, smashed six fours and four sixes in his 117 ball stay. A final rally from Leo Carter (48 from 36 balls) pushed New Zealand to a very healthy total of 281 for five.

In reply Chirag Suri provided the greatest resistance with the bat for the hosts, notching 57 from 77 balls, but he was unable to form a valuable partnership with any of the other batsmen and never really threatened New Zealand's total.

All the New Zealand bowlers had success with the ball, but Jack Hunter was the chief wicket-taker with figures of three for 33 from 9.4 overs.

The victory was secured for the Kiwi side after 49.4 overs, with UAE bowled out for 169.

New Zealand Under-19 vs England Under-19.

Live on Sky Sport 2 tonight.