FATULLAH, Bangladesh, CMC – Medium pacer Keemo Paul bowled a great last over to earn West Indies Under-19s a dramatic tie with South Africa Under-19s in their second official warm-up game in preparation for next week’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Defending 153 for nine in a game reduced to 35 overs at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium here yesterday, the Caribbean side entered the last over with the young Proteas requiring just seven runs for victory.
However, Paul produced a top over which leaked only six runs and got the wicket of Rivaldo Moonsamy for 11 off the fourth delivery, with four runs left to get.
The result ensured that West Indies remained unbeaten in the official warm-ups ahead of their first outing in the main tournament against England in Chittagong next Friday.
Sent in, West Indies were propelled by an enterprising top score of 45 form Keacy Carty while number 10 Michael Frew slammed an unbeaten 33 and opener Tevin Imlach, 24.
West Indies were slumping at 25 for two in the fifth over when Carty and Imlach came together to post 41 for the third wicket.
Carty faced 52 balls and counted eight fours and a six while Imlach struck five fours in a breezy 32-ball innings.
Imlach’s departure triggered a slide which saw six wickets tumble for 30 runs and it required Frew’s cameo, comprising three fours and two sixes off just 34 deliveries, to get West Indies past 150.
Fast bowler Conor Mckerr snapped up three for 30 while seamer Dayyaan Galiem claimed two for 30.
South Africa then seemed to be cruising to an uncomplicated victory at 113 for one in the 25th over before the game turned on its head.
Opener Liam Smith hit a patient 39 off 79 balls with five fours in a 68-run first wicket stand with Kyle Verreynne whose attacking 33 included two fours and two sixes and came from 31 deliveries.
When the right-handed Verreynne fell in the 15th over, Smith and top-scorer Wiaan Mulder came together to add a further 45 runs for the second wicket.
Mulder carved out an unbeaten 58 off 67 deliveries and crunched nine fours.
West Indies hit back, however, grabbing three wickets for 37 runs to force the game into a tight finish where they held their nerve well.
