DUBAI, UAE, CMC – Nicolas Pooran blasted a century for West Indies Under-19 but not enough to avoid a five-wicket defeat from Australia in the quarter-finals of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Cricket World Cup here yesterday.
West Indies Under-19s were bowled out for 208, after being 70 for eight at one stage. Australia reached 209 for five and advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament.
West Indies won the toss and decided to bat but lost five batsmen for only 52 runs on the board. They lost three more wickets for only 18 runs until Pooran decided to take charge and stem the haemorrhage.
Man-of-the-match Pooran shared a ninth-wicket stand of 136 with Jerome Jones to revive West Indies. Jones played sensible and ensured Pooran got as much strike as possible in their fightback.
West Indies were 206 runs when Jones ran out for 20 and two runs later Pooran’s good fortunes ended after he shuffled across to play at a delivery from Guy Walker which knocked his middle stump.
Pooran made 143 from 160 balls which included 14 fours and six sixes.
Walker was the best Australian bowler, also removing the destructive Tagenarine Chanderpaul (4) and Jonathan Drakes (0), finishing with three for 44. Ben Ashkenazi and Thomas Andrews took two wickets apiece.
Pooran, reflecting on his innings, said: “At 70 for eight, I wasn’t thinking much. I just wanted to do what my coaches had said, which is to bat, bat and bat, and occupy the crease as much as possible.
“I was kind of surprised with the kind of support I got from Jones because he’s a guy who likes to play his shots.
“Definitely this is one of the best innings I have played to date, but I am disappointed that we did not win. When you make runs, you want to see your side to win rather than lose.”
Australia captain Alex Gregory praised Pooran when he said: “Pooran played an outstanding innings. He was in control the whole time and played some outstanding shots.”
Matthew Short (52) and Jason Morgan (55) gave the Australians a magnificent start with a partnership of 107 runs, halfway through their victory target. It was enough to cruise home with Ben McDermott (29) and Jake Doran unbeaten on 49 and with 20 balls to spare.
Ray Jordan took two for 34 and Bryan Charles two for 41, bowling for the West Indies.
Gregory was delighted with his side’s performance and form. “It’s a great moment for all the boys. We lost to Afghanistan, but it’s great to get a win here in the quarter-final.
“(Guy) Walker and (Billy) Stanlake were very good earlier on. They bowled fast from the word go and that’s what you need your fast bowlers to do.”
Australia will join South Africa, England and Pakistan in the semi-finals while West Indies will play Afghanistan in one of the play-off matches tomorrow.
Summarised Scores:
West Indies 208 all out (49.5 overs) Nicolas Pooran 143, Jerome Jones 20, Jeremy Solozano 10; Guy Walker 3-44, Ben Ashkenazi 2-37, Thomas Andrews 2-57
Australia 209-5 (46.4 overs) Jason Morgan 55, Matthew Short 52, Jake Doran 49 not out; Ray Jordan 2-34, Bryan Charles 2-41, Jerome Jones 1-33
