TOWNSVILLE, Australia – Fast bowler Justin Greaves conceded 18 runs from the final over as West Indies Under-19s squandered a final four berth in the ICC Youth World Cup with a shocking loss to New Zealand in a tension-filled quarter-final yesterday.
Starting the last over as favourites to progress with the Kiwis needing 18 runs to reach their target of 238 for victory, the Caribbean side watched helplessly as Ish Sodhi blasted 17 of his eventual 22 runs, to send them to a stunning three-wicket defeat.
The Young Windies were still in with a chance with four needed from the last ball but Sodhi cracked Greaves to the ropes to set off massive celebrations among the New Zealand camp.
Sent in, West Indies tallied 237 all out off their 50 overs with Akeal Hosein top-scoring with 54 and captain Kraigg Brathwaite getting 53.
Fast bowler Matthew Quinn finished with three for 54, while Sodhi, twirling his leg-breaks, captured two for 36 and seamer Jacob Duffy, two for 42.
New Zealand got a top score of 59 from Ben Horne and 42 from Robert O’Donnell but struggled to keep up with the required run rate throughout, and were left needing nine per over in the last ten. (CMC)
