West Indies advanced to the quarter-final of 2016 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup after winning their final group match against Zimbabwe in a controversial thriller. West Indies U19 won by 2 runs in their must win the game.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe U19 decided to field first at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (Chittagong). The match situation was that the winner will advance in the quarter-final. West Indies colts lost their wickets at regular interval. With Shamar Springer’s 61 runs, West Indies put 226 runs on the board for the loss of 9 wickets in 50 overs. Rugare Magarira, the Zimbabwean bowler took 3 wickets in that innings.
In reply, Zimbabwean wickets also fell at the regular interval. Opener Shaun Snyder made 52 runs and middle order batsmen played some crucial knocks as they came very close to make a massive upset. But the epic drama was to come in the last over.
In the last over, Zimbabwe U19 needed 3 runs with just 1 wicket in hand. West Indies bowler Keemo Paul was bowling last over while Kundai Matigimu and Richard Ngarava were batting at the striker and non-striker end respectively. During the first ball of the 50th over, Keemo made controversial ‘Mankaded’ dismissal at the non-striker end where Zimbabwean batsman Ngarava was backing up. As a result, West Indies U19 won the match by just 2 runs and advanced to the quarter-final.
West Indian bowler Alzarri Joseph received the man of the match award after taking 4 wickets in the 2nd innings. Zimbabwe’s hope to reach into quarter-final ended with that heart-breaking defeat. Now Zimbabwe will fight in the plate championship.
Brief Scores:
West Indies U19 – 226/9 in 50 overs (Shamar Springer 61, Tevin Imlach 31, Rugare Magarira 3/28)
Zimbabwe U19 – 224/10 in 49 overs (Shaun Snyder 52, Adam Keefe 43, Alzarri Joseph 4/30)