The West Indies kept their semi-final aspirations alive with a nervy 25-run DLS victory over Ireland in Windhoek, though the result has set the stage for a high-stakes encounter against an undefeated Australian outfit on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first, the West Indies found themselves stuttering at 67 for 3 before Jewel Andrew—the most experienced head in the line-up—took charge. Andrew’s composed 66 off 82 balls was the glue that held a fluctuating innings together.
His 67-run stand with Jonathan Van Lange (28) provided the necessary middle-order stability, while Aadian Racha’s late cameo of 28 pushed the total to a competitive, if not commanding, 226.
Ireland’s response was promising, led by a fluent 45 from James West. However, the introduction of legspinner Micah McKenzie completely shifted the momentum. McKenzie’s ability to find purchase on the Windhoek surface saw him rip through the Irish middle order, claiming 4 for 36.
Just as the game reached a crescendo with Ireland needing 62 from the final 10 overs with three wickets in hand, the rain arrived. With no further play possible, the West Indies were ahead by 25 runs on the DLS par score, securing two vital points to stay in the hunt for the final four.
Australia’s seamers dismantle the Young Proteas
Australia 122 for 4 (Hogan 43, Basson 3-41) beat South Africa 118 (James 34, Lachmund 3-29) by 6 wickets
While the West Indies battled the elements, Australia made a statement of intent with a clinical six-wicket demolition of South Africa. The Australian seam attack, led by the relentless Charles Lachmund (3 for 29), left the South African top order in tatters at 37 for 4.
Aside from a gritty 34 from Paul James, the South African batters struggled to cope with the bounce and discipline of the Australian attack. They were eventually bundled out for a mere 118 in the 33rd over.
The chase was not without its minor hiccups, as South Africa’s JJ Basson (3 for 41) removed the tournament’s leading run-scorer Will Malajczuk early and later dismissed Steven Hogan for a well-made 43.
However, with the target so low, Jayden Draper (21*) and Alex Lee Young (21*) ensured there was no collapse, guiding the defending champions home with more than 17 overs to spare
Australia now sits comfortably at the top of Group 1 with six points, while the West Indies have moved into a position where their destiny remains in their own hands.
Wednesday’s clash between the two sides looms as a tournament-defining fixture; a win for the West Indies would throw the group wide open, while an Australian victory would virtually seal their spot in the semi-finals. (Modified from ICC)
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