In a dramatic rain-affected encounter at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team secured a crucial 25-run victory against Ireland in their ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup Super Six match on January 25. The Caribbean side’s triumph was orchestrated by their spin duo of Micah McKenzie and Vitel Lawes, who derailed Ireland’s chase with their wrist-spin mastery.
The match began with West Indies posting a competitive 226 all out in 46.5 overs, thanks largely to wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew’s commanding 66 runs from 82 deliveries. Andrew’s innings, featuring four boundaries and four sixes, provided the foundation despite several batsmen failing to convert starts into substantial scores. Jonathan Van Lange (28) and Aadian Racha (28) contributed valuable runs in the middle and lower order.
Ireland’s response appeared promising initially as they reached 82/1 in the 18th over, with James West leading the charge with a brisk 45. However, the introduction of leg-spinner McKenzie (4/36) and left-arm unorthodox spinner Lawes (2/41) triggered a dramatic collapse. The spin twins dismantled Ireland’s middle order, reducing them from comfort to 98/4 within five overs.
Rain interruptions twice disrupted Ireland’s chase, ultimately proving decisive. When play was halted for the final time at 164/7 after 40 overs, Ireland found themselves 25 runs behind the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern par score of 189. Robert O’Brien (26) and Marko Bates (22) showed resistance but couldn’t prevent the inevitable DLS decision in West Indies’ favor.
The victory elevates West Indies to four points in their Super Six group, positioning them third behind Australia (6 points) and Afghanistan (4 points). With net run rate currently negative, the Caribbean team faces a must-win scenario against defending champions Australia on January 28 in Harare, Zimbabwe, where a substantial victory is required to secure semifinal qualification.