The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup delivered contrasting fortunes on Friday. West Indies produced a clinical performance to defeat Tanzania by five wickets, while persistent rain forced the abandonment of the Zimbabwe-Scotland encounter.
At the Wanderers Stadium, Tanzania’s captain opted to bat but regretted the decision almost immediately. West Indies’ spin duo of Ashmead Ali (5/19) and Andre Khan (3/25) orchestrated a collapse, restricting the Africans to 76 all out. Tanzania’s batters found the turning track unplayable, losing wickets in clusters.
The chase was straightforward for the defending champions. Despite slipping to 55/5, West Indies’ middle order steadied the ship. Jewel Andrew’s fluent 34 set the foundation, and skipper Matthew Tromp (19*) guided the team home with 12 overs to spare. This comprehensive win vaults West Indies to the top of Super Sixes Group 2.
In stark contrast, cricket fans in East London were left disappointed as steady drizzle prevented any play between Zimbabwe and Scotland. Umpires called off the match after multiple inspections, handing both teams a shared point each. This result complicates the semifinal qualification math for both Super Six contenders.
Tanzania’s debut campaign has been a learning experience against stronger opponents, but their spirited bowling effort showed promise. West Indies, meanwhile, continue their title defense with momentum. As the U19 World Cup progresses, these young cricketers are laying the foundation for future international careers.