Papua New Guinea's return to the Under-19 World Cup after missing out to Fiji last time was not a happy one as they crashed to a heavy defeat against Zimbabwe in a game shortened by rain to 20 overs.

Things started reasonably well for Papua New Guinea, who were batting first after Zimbabwe captain Liam Roche won the toss. Simon Atai and Igo Mahuru put on 41 for the opening wicket before Mahuru was out for 26. This sparked a mini collapse as the EAP qualifiers lost three wickets for just three runs in six balls.

Ovia Sam, batting at four, scored an unbeaten 24, but the lower part of the PNG batting order folded as they were bowled out for 95. Wesley Madhevere was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers with 3-19.

Madhevere then did the business for Zimbabwe with the bat too, scoring an unbeaten 53 from 44 balls as his team completed a rather simple 10 wicket win with six overs to spare.

Papua New Guinea will next be in action on Tuesday when they take on India in a day/night match. Zimbabwe get an extra day's rest before their next match, which will be against Australia on Wednesday.