The West Indies, the 2016 champions, secured a victory by five wickets against Tanzania in their first match of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia. This win propelled them to the top of Group D. Meanwhile, the game between Zimbabwe and Scotland in Harare was called off without any play.
At Windhoek’s High Performance Oval, Tanez Francis shone with the bat for the West Indies, scoring a crucial half-century. The Windies, led by Vitel Lawes’ bowling performance, restricted Tanzania to a manageable total of 121 runs. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Windies witnessed a solid 53-run opening partnership between Dylan Thakrar and Darpan Jobanputra for Tanzania. However, Jonathan van Lange’s breakthrough triggered a Tanzanian collapse.
Lawes played a pivotal role for the West Indies, claiming three wickets as Tanzania’s innings concluded at 121 runs in 34 overs. Francis then took charge with the bat, forming an 80-run partnership with Jewel Andrew after an early departure by opening partner Zackary Carter. Despite a flurry of wickets that put the Windies at 114/5, Tanzania’s efforts were insufficient to prevent the West Indies from clinching victory.
In their upcoming Group D match, the West Indies will face Afghanistan on Sunday, while Tanzania will meet South Africa on Monday, both matches scheduled at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek.
