WI Under-19s stun Aussies

KIMBERLEY, South Africa (CMC):

All-rounder Nyeem Young struck a nerveless half-century to inspire a West Indies comeback as the Caribbean side overturned the odds to upset powerhouses Australia by three wickets and register their first-ever win over the tournament favourites at the ICC Under-19 World Cup here yesterday.

Chasing 180 for victory at Diamond Oval in the Group B opener, the Windies Under-19s found themselves in danger of defeat when they crashed to 92 for five after 25 overs, leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha slicing through the middle order with four for 30.

However, the right-handed Young arrived to stroke an audacious 61 from 69 balls in an invaluable 78-run sixth-wicket stand with fellow Barbadian Matthew Forde (23) to rescue the run chase and lift the Windies to a crucial victory.

There was some late drama when both Young and Forde perished in the space of eight deliveries with 10 runs still required, but Kirk McKenzie (seven not out) put any lingering doubts to rest with an imperious extra-cover drive for six off the last ball of the 46th over to end the contest in style.

INCISIVE SPELLS

The new ball fast-bowling pair of Jayden Seales (4-49) and Forde (3-24) had earlier conjured up incisive spells to send the Aussies tumbling for an inadequate 179 in the 36th over.

Australia appeared set for a major total at 158 for four in the 31st over, but Seales and Forde ripped through the middle and lower order as the last six wickets fell cheaply for just 21 runs.

Opener Jake Fraser-McGurk batted with composure to top-score with 84 from 97 deliveries while wicketkeeper Patrick Rowe chipped in with 40, but Australia failed to find a lower-order effort to rescue their innings.

The victory was a vital one for the Windies especially with another difficult encounter against England looming tomorrow at the same venue.