BENONI, South Africa, CMC – West Indies captain Kimani Melius says his side will not be putting themselves under undue pressure for today’s quarter-final match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup against New Zealand.
The Caribbean side enter the game at Willowmoore Park on the backs of an unbeaten run in the preliminary round where they topped Group B after knocking over heavyweights Australia and England.
“It’s a normal match, a normal game,” said Melius.
“It’s just another game of cricket the guys are looking to enjoy. We won’t put any quarter-final pressure on ourselves. It’s just a normal game of cricket.”
All-rounder Nyeem Young has been the star of the tournament for West Indies, slamming two half-centuries and snatching a five-wicket haul.
He, along with Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Patrick and Melius – all with half-centuries – have provided the runs while fast bowler Jayden Seales, with eight wickets, has led the attack.
“Credit must be given to Nyeem Young against Australia – he batted very well and also bowled very well,” Melius pointed out.
“Seales has been bowling very well [with] great pace and accuracy and also Matthew Forde in the middle overs coming up with key wickets.”
New Zealand were less than convincing in their preliminary round campaign, winning just once in Group A to scrape into the quarter-finals.
However, following their no-result against Japan, they played well to beat Sri Lanka before missing out against powerhouses India.
Young said the Windies would not be taking New Zealand lightly, and would need to play their best cricket in order to come out on top.
“We’ll take it one game at a time but New Zealand are a decent team,” said Young, in his second year at the Under-19 World Cup.
“They’ve had some really good performances so far during the tournament and I think it will be a really good game, and whoever plays the better cricket on the day will be victorious.”
