Australia Under-19s maintained their good form at the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, as they easily beat South Africa following a good bowling performance.
The South African team was dismissed for mere 118, thanks to good spells by Charles Lachmund, who took 3 for 29. He was evenly supported by both Will Byrom and Aryan Sharma, who took two wickets each.
Men’s Under-19 World Cup: Early Collapse creates problems South Africa
The innings of South Africa never got momentum since their innings faltered at 37-4 within the powerplay. Lachmund & Byrom exploited pace & bounce to trouble their batters with consistent accuracy. Jorich van Schalkwyk was the stand-out contributor with a gritty knock.
- Added a 30-run stand with Paul James
- Van Schalkwyk was eventually run out for 26 off 55 balls
Spinner Aryan Sharma was effective through the middle overs, sharply turning the ball away and ultimately finishing with two important wickets despite earlier fielding lapses. Paul James fought on to top-score with a 60-ball 34, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
Hogan Anchors Australia’s Chase
Pursuing a small target, Australia were kept in check by a disciplined South African bowling line-up headed by JJ Basson.
Bowling Highlights (South Africa)
- JJ Basson: 3 for 41
- The first time Australia lost three wickets in the tournament
Though he may not look entirely fluent, a crucial knock by Steven Hogan scored 43 runs off 73 balls, where more than a third of the runs were scored. He scored effectively off the short balls. The run chase, however, was completed when Jayden Draper hit two boundaries in the 33rd over, which resulted in a well-fought victory for the Australians, achieved in 32.5 overs.
Men’s Under-19 World Cup: West Indies Outclass Ireland in Spin-Friendly Conditions
The West Indies dominated another key fixture of the Men’s Under-19 World Cup with a high-class spin display to see off Ireland in a rain-affected contest and further bridge the gap to an improved position in the Super Sixes.
Jewel Andrew Holds West Indies Innings Together
Batting first, West Indies depended on Jewel Andrew, who made a compact 66 off 82 balls from No.3. that included four fours and four sixes. Shared in a vital 67-run partnership with Jonathan van Lange After Andrew’s dismissal in the 33rd over, the batting folded up like a pack of cards. No other batsman crossed 30, and Ireland fought their way back into the game.
Ireland Bowling Standouts
- Reuben Wilson: 3 for 50
- James West: 2 for 24 from seven overs
West Indies were eventually bowled out for 226, a competitive but chaseable total.
Spin Twins Seal the Game for West Indies
Ireland began well, reaching the score of 82 for 2, with James West opening the batting with a fluid 45 off 55 balls. The game was turned around when West Indies spinners entered the scene.
Bowling Performance to Win a Match
Micah McKenzie: Four wickets from the middle order
Vitel Lawes: Critical spell towards the end, including a ruthless finishing over
Moreover, Ireland straightaway slipped down to 164, having lost 7 wickets, and rain soon started interfering with the match. As the DLS par was out of reach, Ireland soon lost their hopes. The West Indies were declared winners by 25 runs as a result of a comprehensive win achieved through spin power.
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