Opener smashes first century for WI at the U19 World Cup

A blistering century from opener Zachary Carter backed up by a six wicket haul from Shaquan Belle, paved the way for West Indies, as they completed a 55 run win over South Africa at the ICC Under 19 World Cup.

 

That result in Windhoek Namibia, saw the regional side move into second place in the Group D behind Afghanistan and into the Super 6 stage. At that stage, the top three teams from Group A and D will be combined into one group, while the top three teams from Group B and C will constitute the second.

 

Each team will carry forward the number of points, wins and net run rate from their matches against other Super 6 qualifying teams. With the West Indies finishing second in Group D, they will play the first and third placed teams from Group A.

 

After winning the toss and electing to bat, West Indies progressed to 33 before losing their first wicket in the 7th over, as Tanez Francis was dismissed for 14 by JJ Basson. 

 

Carter was joined by captain Joshua Dorne and the pair put on 82 runs for the second wicket before Dorne was the second of 5 wickets to fall to Basson, as he was dismissed for 20 off 49 balls. During the game, Dorne surpassed Kraigg Brathwaite at the top of the table, for most matches played as captain for West Indies Under-19s in Youth ODIs. It was his 17th game at the helm.

 

Basson ripped through the West Indies middle order with his next three balls. 

During that same over, the left arm medium pacer also accounted for experienced wicket keeper batsman Jewel Andrew and Shamar Apple for ducks, as West Indies slipped from 115 for 2 to 115 for 4.

 

Shaquan Belle added 18 and Jonathan van Lange 29, before Player of the Match Carter was dismissed for a stroke-filled 114 off 104 balls. The solidly built left hander smashed  8 fours and 8 sixes.

 

“My mindset was to maximize the power play, move through the gears and help my team to get the win. After getting a couple of low scores the confidence was a bit low, but the performance today helped my team to get a win and I’m very appreciative of it,” Carter said. “This World Cup century means the world. I had to work hard for it. It showed if we fight and keep fighting, we have the potential to go very far in this tournament.”

 

With no other batsman scoring more than 7 runs, West Indies were also boosted by 28 extras from South Africa, before being bowled out for 234 in the 48th over.

Basson took 5 for 23 and Jason Rowles 2 for 44.

 

In their turn at the wicket, South Africa lost wickets at key intervals as Belle took 6 for 40. Jason Rowles top scored with 46, while Lethabo Phahlamohlaka added 26 and opener Jorich Van Schalkwyk 20. There was also a wicket apiece for Jakeem Pollard, Isra-el Morton and Vitel Lawes.

 

South Africa  were eventually dismissed for 179 in the 38th over.