Denmark continued their winning ways at the European Under-19 Division 2 Championship today with a big win over Italy at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen.

The toss was won by Danish captain Oliver Hald, who chose to bat first. The opening pair of Azaan-Ur-Rehman and Saud Munir got Denmark off to a good start, putting on 72 before Rehman fell for 35. Munir then played something of an anchor role, staying in, rotating the strike and trying to give Denmark a good platform.

The run rate didn't creep all that far above four though, and Denmark were on 180 when the third wicket fell in the 41st over. This brought the Danish skipper to the crease, and he set about increasing the run rate. He and Munir put on 64 in just six overs, with Munir reaching his century before getting out for 106.

Hald was bowled by Junaid Farooq from the final ball of the Danish innings having clubbed 62 from 36 balls to help take his team to 280-5 from their 50 overs.

Italy's batting was again poor, with Siddiq Mehran (13) and Riccardo Meade (34) the only batsmen to reach double figures. Italy's total of 108 - a 172 run defeat - would have looked even worse had it not been for the 36 extras conceded by Denmark.

Over at Schiedam, Guernsey batted first against the hosts after winning the toss. Both openers scored 24, but the top score came from Declan Martel, who scored 60 before being bowled by Olivier Elenbaas. Elenbaas was the pick of the Dutch bowlers with 4-41 and the visitors scored 211-9 from their 50 overs.

The Netherlands initially kept in touch with the required rate, bubbling along at just under four an over. But from 116-3 in the 30th over, they lost five wickets for just 16 runs. Bas de Leede was their top scorer with 42, whilst Jack Birch was the leading bowler for Guernsey, taking 3-17 as the Netherlands were bowled out for 159 to lose by 52 runs.

The tournament continues tomorrow with Denmark looking to continue their winning habit when they take on hosts the Netherlands for the second time. Guernsey will play Italy in the day's other match.

Results

Denmark Under-19s beat Italy Under-19s by 172 runs
VRA Ground, Amstelveen, 26 July
Denmark Under-19s 280-5 (50 overs, Saud Munir 106, Hald 62, Azaan-Ur-Rehman 35)
Italy Under-19s 108 (40.2 overs)

Netherlands Under-19s lost to Guernsey Under-19s by 52 runs
Sportpark Thurlede, Schiedam, 26 July
Guernsey Under-19s 211-9 (50 overs, Martel 60, Elenbaas 4-41)
Netherlands Under-19s 159 (43.4 overs, de Leede 42, Birch 3-17)