New Zealand got their under-19 world cup campaign off to a bright start beating Australia by four wickets in the opening game of a tri-nations leadup tournament in Dubai.
Having dismissed Australia for 169 - having had them 115 for five - New Zealand reached 173 for six in 33 overs.
Central Districts' player Christian Leopard delivered the star turn for New Zealand.
Coming in at No 8, after New Zealand had slumped from 82 for two to 102 for six, Leopard hit an unbeaten 50 off 42 balls, sharing a 71-run stand with Auckland's Finn Allen to secure the win.
Earlier Auckland's Ross ter Braak took three for 23 in Australia's innings and Wellington spinner Rachin Ravindra took two for 19.
New Zealand will play Pakistan in their second game late tonight.
Australia are playing the tournament before heading home, having pulled out of the tournament in Bangladesh on security grounds.
Australia 169 (P. Page 44; R. ter Braak 3-23, R. Ravindra 2-19) lost to New Zealand 173-6 (C. Leopard 50 not out, F. Allen 31 not out; G. Phillips 31, J. Finnie 24) by four wickets.
