Andrew confident ahead of crucial South Africa match

West Indies Under-19 captain Jewel Andrew says the regional side remains confident ahead of Thursday’s crucial Group D clash against South Africa, a match that could determine their chances of advancing to the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 World Cup.

After opening the tournament with a five-wicket victory over Tanzania, West Indies suffered a heavy 138-run defeat to Afghanistan. That result leaves them third in the group on two points, trailing South Africa on net run rate. Unbeaten Afghanistan lead with four points, while Tanzania remain bottom without a point.

Reflecting on the loss to Afghanistan, Andrew identified a key phase where the game slipped away.

“I think the powerplay was good for us, and we tended to pull it back in the last few overs, but we took too long to adjust to the surface and that kind of let the score get away a bit,” he said.

He noted that the slow, low wicket was familiar territory for Caribbean players and felt the side should have adapted sooner.

“The wicket was slow, low as well, and that is something that we normally play with in the Caribbean. I think we took too long to adjust to something that we know, and that kind of hampered us.”

Andrew also suggested the team could have introduced spin earlier during the innings.

“I think we planned to bowl a certain way, but we could have strayed from the plan a bit earlier. We saw today that spin worked out for us, so that’s something we could try to implement coming into the next game.”

Despite the setback, the wicketkeeper said morale within the camp remains strong.

“Definitely. We look to each other for answers. The coaches set guides for us to capitalise on, and it’s just for us to go back and reflect and come for the next one.”

He added that preparation has been solid and confidence will be key going forward.

“Our preparations coming into this game were good, so it’s just about remaining confident going into the next one, and hopefully we can get over the line.”

In other matches today, the encounter between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Bulawayo was abandoned as a no result, while Australia defeated Japan by eight wickets in Windhoek. Japan posted 201 for 8, with Australia replying with 204 for 2, as opener Will Malajczuk top-scored with 102.

On Wednesday, Afghanistan can secure their place in the Super Six with a Group D win over Tanzania, while in Group C, England face Scotland. 

England remain unbeaten at the top of the table after two matches, with Scotland third on one point. (KH/CMC)