Defying expectations, West Indies U19 delivered a masterclass to defeat South Africa by 55 runs in the 2026 U19 World Cup’s 21st match at Windhoek. Super-6 spots secured, the focus was on form – and West Indies aced it spectacularly.
Batting first, WI wobbled at 33-1 (Francis 14). Da Silva-Carter’s 82-run alliance steadied nerves until Basson’s devastating 23rd over hat-trick (Da Silva 20, Andrew 0, Apple 0) made it 115-4. Carter’s unbeaten-like 114 (104b, 8×4, 8×6) with Van Lange (29) pushed to 234 in 47.5 overs against Basson’s 5-23.
SA’s reply was a debacle at 179 all out. Belle’s 10-over spell yielded 6-40, with Pollard, Morton, Logie assisting. Roels fought with 46 (40b, 4×4, 2×6), backed by Fhalamohlaka (26), but the middle order caved.
From collapse to conquest, West Indies’ adaptability shone, Carter’s aggression and Belle’s precision proving game-changers in this pivotal warmup for bigger battles.