WINDHOEK, Namibia — West Indies Under-19s secured their passage into the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in emphatic fashion on Thursday, riding a commanding century from Zachary Carter and a devastating six-wicket haul from Shaquan Belle to overpower South Africa by 55 runs at the High Performance Oval.
The victory marked the Caribbean side’s second of the tournament and ensured a second-place finish in Group D behind unbeaten Afghanistan, with South Africa also advancing after placing third.
Carter finds form when it mattered most
After a quiet tournament with the bat, Carter delivered a statement innings at precisely the right moment. The opener anchored the West Indies’ innings with a superb 114 from 104 balls, an explosive display that featured eight sixes and eight fours.
He laid the foundation with Tanez Francis, adding 33 before Francis was dismissed for 14 by left-arm pacer JJ Basson. Carter then shifted gears alongside captain Joshua Dorne, the pair assembling an assured second-wicket stand of 82 that carried the West Indies to 115 for one in the 23rd over.
Basson’s triple strike shifts momentum
Just as the West Indies appeared in full control, Basson delivered a dramatic momentum swing. In the space of four deliveries, he removed Dorne for 20 and then dismissed Jewel Andrew and Shamar Apple for consecutive ducks, slicing the score to 115 for four and placing South Africa firmly back in contention.
Unfazed, Carter regrouped with Jonathan van Lange, and the duo stitched together a vital 78-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steady the innings.
Century celebration, then sudden collapse
Carter reached his century in style, smashing Jason Rowles for two sixes in the 33rd over to bring up the milestone from just 89 balls. However, his dismissal soon after, bowled by James, triggered a sharp collapse.
West Indies lost their final six wickets for only 41 runs, including their last three for a single run, closing their innings at 234 in 47.5 overs. Basson was outstanding for South Africa, claiming five for 23, while Rowles chipped in with two for 44.
Belle strikes early as South Africa falter
Any hope of a successful South African chase was quickly disrupted by Belle’s searing pace and accuracy. He struck early, having Adnaan Lagadien caught at mid-on for 10, before spinner Isra-el Morton deceived Jorich van Schalkwyk with a turning delivery to trap him lbw.
Belle then removed captain Muhammad Bulbulia in near-identical fashion to Lagadien, leaving South Africa wobbling at 40 for three.
Brief resistance ends as Belle takes control
Rowles and Armaan Manack attempted to rebuild with a 42-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but Manack’s run-out for 17 stalled the recovery. Left-arm spinner Vitel Lawes then delivered a beauty that spun past the outside edge to clip Rowles’ off stump, dismissing the top-scorer for 46 from 40 balls and leaving South Africa 115 for five in the 24th over.
From there, Belle took center stage.
Six-for seals convincing victory
Returning for a decisive final spell, Belle ripped through the lower order, claiming the wickets of Paul James (7), Daniel Bosman (19), Michael Kruiskamp (5), and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (26) as South Africa slumped to 167 for nine.
Jakeem Pollard applied the finishing touch, having Basson caught behind for three to end the chase at 179 in 37.4 overs and spark jubilant celebrations among the West Indies players.
Belle finished with career-best figures of six for 40 from his 10 overs, completing a dominant all-round performance that sent the West Indies Under-19s confidently into the Super Six.
