Some spectacular all around performances along with a high spirited team filled with confidence registered the first ever West Indies Under 19 World Cup victory. West Indies Under 19 Captain Shimron Hetmoyer won the toss and sent India in for first strike.
HOSTILE WI UNDER 19 PACERS
Alzarri Joseph, Ryan John and Keemo Paul bowled very well. India’s number five batsman Sarfraz Khan steadied the innings for India but the team was bowled out for 145 runs in 45. 1 (overs) by the West Indies. Salzarri Joseph took 3 wickets for 39 runs from 10 (overs) Ryan John 3 for 38 from 10 (overs) and Guyanese all rounder Keemo Paul 2 for 17 from 6.1 (overs).
CARTY AND PAUL DID THE JOB
After cruising at 77 runs for 5 wickets and the in-form batsmen Captain Shimron Hetmoyer gone for 23 and Barbados’ Shamar Springer who has been the most in-form batsman for the team already gone for 3 runs, Keacy Carty 52 not out and Keemo Paul 40 not out steered the innings to 146 runs in 49.3 (overs) winning the game for the young West Indies Under 19 team.
NB: Keacy Carty was named man of the match.
TEST CRICKET POTENTIAL
The winning West Indies Under 19 Team, which won the ICC World Cup by defeating India, looked very mature. The fast bowlers induced good bounce and kept their length and line frequently. The Indian Under 19 team did not get much loose deliveries from which to score. Some areas of concern for the West Indies Under 19 team are:
1. Batsmen must rotate the strike much more.
2. Bowlers must be prepared to take catches off their bowling.
3. Opening batsmen must be much more watchful and play off the opening bowlers.
4. Pick up all the singles available and do not focus on boundaries only.
