West Indies are through to the Super Sixes stage of the ICC Under-19 World Cup after beating South Africa by 55 runs to finish second in Group D behind Afghanistan.
West Indies’ second victory in three group games was highlighted by brilliant performances from opener Zachary Carter, who scored a hundred, and right-arm seamer Shaquan Belle with six wickets.
Only unbeaten Afghanistan had a better record in the group with three wins, while South Africa had two defeats and a win, and Tanzania lost all three games.
The burly Carter slammed 114 off 104 balls with eight fours and eight sixes, reaching three figures with his seventh maximum.
West Indies seemed destined for many more than the 234 they eventually got after cruising to 115-1 in the 23rd over. However, three wickets in one over- including the fall of Jewel Andrew and Shamar Apple both without scoring- saw the score being 115-4.
Another collapse from 193-4 meant the last six wickets fell for just 41 runs.
Jonathan Van Lange made 29 and skipper Joshua Dorne 20, as left-arm seamer JJ Basson took 5-23.
Chasing 235, South Africa were put under early pressure as Belle removed opener Adnaan Lagadien before Jorich van Schalkwyk and Muhammad Bulbulia were dismissed off consecutive deliveries, leaving the Young Proteas struggling at 41-3 at the end of the Powerplay.
Jason Rowles then led the rebuild alongside Armaan Manack, with the pair adding a valuable 42-run partnership.
The stand was broken when Manack fell for 17. South Africa suffered another setback soon after as Vitel Lawes claimed the crucial wicket of the well-set Rowles, who scored 46 off 40 balls. His dismissal left South Africa in further trouble at 115-5.
To close the Belle produced a spectacular spell, picking up four wickets to break all South African resistance and, in the process, completing a stunning six-wicket haul.
South Africa lost their final five wickets for just 57 runs as West Indies sealed a dominant 55-run victory.
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