In a gripping encounter at Harare Sports Club, West Indies Under-19s concluded their ICC World Cup campaign with a narrow 22-run defeat to defending champions Australia on Wednesday. The young Caribbean side, requiring victory to enhance semi-final prospects, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short while chasing Australia’s formidable 314/7, finishing at 292/9 despite impressive half-centuries from Zachary Carter and captain Joshua Dorne.
The tournament journey began promisingly in Namibia with a five-wicket victory over Tanzania, featuring Tanez Francis’s measured half-century and Vitel Lawes’s bowling excellence (3/23). After suffering a setback against Afghanistan, the team demonstrated resilience with a commanding 55-run triumph over South Africa. Carter announced his arrival on the global stage with a spectacular 114-run century, while Shaquan Belle delivered the tournament’s best bowling figures (6/40) to dismantle the South African batting lineup.
Advancing to the Super Six stage with carried-forward points, West Indies secured a rain-affected DLS victory against Ireland before facing the crucial encounter against Australia. Despite winning the toss and electing to field, opposition captain Oliver Peake’s century propelled Australia to their challenging total. The Caribbean chase commenced explosively with Carter and Francis establishing an 88-run opening partnership, featuring the tournament’s fourth-fastest half-century. Though momentum was maintained through the middle overs, the team struggled during the death overs, culminating in their elimination.
Several players distinguished themselves throughout the competition: Carter finished with the joint-most sixes (13), wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew led in boundaries (30), while Lawes emerged as the leading wicket-taker (10 scalps) with the most dot balls (150). The team’s World Cup preparation proved comprehensive, including series victories against Sri Lanka U-19s (4-3) and England U-19s (5-2) prior to the tournament, providing crucial match exposure and tactical development.
While the campaign concluded without silverware, the experience signifies substantial developmental progress for West Indies cricket. The players demonstrated the characteristic Caribbean competitive spirit and resilience against world-class emerging talent, laying foundation for future success in international cricket.