THE WEST INDIES Under-19s are out of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup now being played in Dubai.
Despite 143 from wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran, the Under-19s suffered a five-wicket loss to Australia who scored 209 for five in 46.4 overs in their quarter-final match this morning.
Once again, the top order failed to fire and West Indies were fortunate to reach 208 after tottering on 32 for four. As wickets tumbled all around him, Pooran kept his nerve and struck six sixes and 14 fours in his knock, which came off 160 balls.
He and Barbadian Jerome Jones (20) built a ninth-wicket partnership of 136 to frustrate the Australians before Pooran was last man out.
Australia had a more balanced attack, and steadily approached the target after their opening stand of 107. The two openers got half centuries and Jake Doran was unbeaten on 49.
England, Pakistan and South Africa are the other teams which have reached the semi-finals. (SAT)
Summarised scores: West Indies Under-19 208 in 49.5 overs (Nicholas Pooran 143, J. Jones 20, J. Solozano 10; G. Walker 3-44, B. Ashkenazi2-37, T. Andrews 2-57). Australia Under-19 209-5 in 46.4 overs (Jaron Morgan 55, Matthew Short 52, Jake Doran 49*, B. McDermott 29; R. Jordan 2-34, B. Charles 2-41). Australia Under-19 won by five wickets.