Carty and Paul help West Indies clinch ICC U19 World Cup 2016

The West Indies secured their first ever ICC U19 World Cup in the history with a win over India in the final today. Despite being favourites to win, the West Indies shocked India to pull off a 5-wicket win. With this win, the Windies have won their first ICC 50 overs’ tournament in 32 years.

Having been put into bat first, the Indians collapsed to the pace and swing of Alzaari Joseph. Bowling with intent never seen before, Joseph dismissed the dangerous Rishabh Pant, skipper Ishan Kishan and the in-form Anmolpreet Singh in quick succession. Washington Sundar and Armaan Jaffer too were dismissed soon after as the Indians found themselves at 50/5 in 15 overs. Sarfaraz Ahmed battled well as he moved his side from the humiliation to a rather defendable total.

Mahipal Lomror kept Sarfaraz company with a useful 19 only to be dismissed by Chemar Holder soon after. Mayank Dagar failed to stick around as the Indians stared at defeat. Following the fall of Sarfaraz, Rahul Bhatam led a brief revival as the Indians crawled their way to 145 all out. Alzaari Joseph and Ryan John ended up with three wickets apiece.

The West Indian innings began with the loss of Gidron Pope and Tevin Imlach in quick succession for 3 and 15 respectively. Shimron Hetmyer began to revive the innings with a series of aggressive shots. However, the West Indies skipper attempted one shot too many as he was dismissed by left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar.

Dagar would then go on to become the hero with the ball as Shamar Springer and Jyd Goolie too were dismissed soon after. Keacy Carty scored his maiden half-century in U19 cricket with a magnificently compiled 40. He was well supported by all-rounder Keemo Paul who made a brilliant 38 off 66. Carty and Paul stitched an impressive partnership of 69.

That said, there will definitely be a party in the West Indies as the Indians will head back home trophy-less.

Brief Scores:

India – 145 all out in 45.1 overs (Sarfaraz 51; John 3/38)

West Indies – 146/5 in 49.2 overs (Carty 52*; Dagar 3/25)

Man of the Match: Keacy Carty (West Indies)

Player of the Series – Mehedi Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)