In a nail-biting encounter, West Indies took a big step in the direction of securing a spot within the semi-finals of the ICC Below-19 World Cup as they held their composure to defeat a resilient Sri Lanka by three wickets of their opening Tremendous Six stage match.
Set a goal of 232 runs at Diamond Oval, the West Indies youth staff navigated by way of a difficult chase, in the end reaching the goal with simply three balls to spare of their Group 2 conflict.
Opening batsman Steve Wedderburn was the standout performer, incomes the Man-of-the-Match award for his essential knock of 61 runs off 71 balls. He acquired useful assist from Jordan Johnson, who contributed 39 runs off 46 deliveries, and captain Stephan Pascal, who added 31 runs off 26 balls.
Nonetheless, it was the composed batting of Nathan Sealy, coming in at quantity eight, that proved instrumental in guiding West Indies to victory. Sealy remained unbeaten with a vital 27 off 28 deliveries, steering his staff throughout the end line. Tarrique Edward performed a key function as properly, contributing 11 not out in an important unbroken eighth-wicket partnership price 26 runs.
The significance of remaining optimistic
Reflecting on the win, opener Steve Wedderburn mentioned, “I really feel superb concerning the win we had at the moment, and that is all main from the victory over Australia within the second Check.” He emphasised the significance of remaining optimistic and adapting to the state of affairs, praising his staff’s adaptability.
Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, managed to attain 231 runs earlier than being bowled out on the final supply of their allotted 50 overs. Dinura Kalupahana top-scored for Sri Lanka with 53 runs off 83 balls, whereas Malsha Tharupathi contributed 42 runs off 38 balls and Supun Waduge added 31 runs from 40 deliveries.
Regardless of a difficult begin the place Sri Lanka slipped to 46 for 3 throughout the first 10 overs, they mounted a restoration led by Kalupahana. He fashioned essential partnerships, together with a 51-run stand with Tharupathi, earlier than being dismissed within the thirty ninth over after hanging 5 fours.
In response, the West Indies staff made a robust begin, with openers Wedderburn and Pascal placing on 48 runs for the primary wicket. Wedderburn struck 5 fours and three sixes in his innings, whereas Pascal hit 5 fours and a six earlier than being dismissed.
Just a few wobbles within the center order
Regardless of a number of wobbles within the center order, a useful partnership of 86 runs between Wedderburn and Johnson saved West Indies within the hunt. Nonetheless, each batsmen fell in fast succession, establishing a tense end to the match.
Mavendra Dindyal and Nathan Edward added 31 runs for the fifth wicket, and Sealy’s composed batting within the later levels ensured West Indies achieved an exhilarating victory.
West Indies will face the Group 2 leaders, Australia, of their last Tremendous Six sport on Friday, as they proceed their quest for a spot within the ICC Below-19 World Cup semi-finals.
