Despite a valiant half-century from West Indies Under-19 captain, Ackeem Auguste, his side suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia Under-19s in their opening match of the International Cricket Council’s Under-19 World Cup yesterday.
Playing at the pristine National Stadium, Providence in sunny conditions with high winds, the hosts West Indies U19s, won the toss and opted to bat first.
They were duly bowled out for 169 in 40.1 overs. In reply, Australia cruised to 170 for four with 31 balls to spare.
Guyanese left-hander, Matthew Nandu was dismissed with the second ball of the match by left-arm pacer, Tom Whitney, who also removed Teddy Bishop for five in the fifth over as West Indies U19 were pegged back at 12 for three at one stage.
But Auguste joined Rivaldo Clarke to put on a 95-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Auguste struck eight boundaries during his 67-ball 57 before slog sweeping his Australian counterpart, Cooper Connolly, into the hands of Campbell Kellaway at deep square leg.
Clarke managed four boundaries before off-spinner, Nivethan Radhakrishnan enticed him into driving an off-side delivery into the hands of mid-off and he departed for 37 made from 42 balls.
Radhakrishnan then worked his way through the middle order to end with three wickets for 48 runs.
McKenny Clarke gave the hosts a catapult to a somewhat respectable total after hitting three sixes and two 
fours during his 35-ball 29-run cameo. Clarke was dismissed by Whitney who bagged three wickets for 20 runs while Connolly also captured 3-17 with his right arm seam.
The one-sided affair saw Australia U19 shepherded to their total by Teague Wyllie who carved eight boundaries along the way to an unbeaten 86 which came from 129 balls.
Wyllie lost his opening partner, Corey Miller for a 10-ball duck and Isaac Higgins, (09) as they slipped to 21 for two.
However, with Connolly, the duo added 53 for the third wicket before the Australia captain was bowled by Onaje Amory for 23.
Wyllie was then joined by Radhakrishnan and shared a 75-run union for the fourth wicket. Radhakrishnan followed up his good outing with the ball with a 51-ball 31. The left hander struck two boundaries before plucking out Anderson Mahase at point off of Nandu (1-29).
