In a stunning display of resilience and bowling prowess, West Indies Under-19 team pulled off a remarkable 55-run victory over South Africa in the 21st match of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup at High Performance Oval in Windhoek on Thursday. Both teams had already secured their spots in the Super-6 stage prior to this encounter, but the young Windies made a strong statement with this emphatic win.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, West Indies found themselves in early trouble, slumping to 33 for 1 with the dismissal of Tanez Francis for 14. Captain Joshua Da Silva then steadied the ship alongside Zachary Carter, forging an 82-run partnership off 93 balls to propel the score to 115. However, South African spinner JJ Basson triggered a collapse, claiming three wickets in the 23rd over alone – Da Silva for 20, Jewel Andrew for a duck, and Shamir Apple for another golden duck. West Indies were suddenly 115 for 4.
Zachary Carter rose to the occasion, smashing a magnificent 114 off 104 balls, laced with 8 fours and 8 sixes, while Jonathan Van Lange contributed 29 in a vital 78-run stand for the fifth wicket. The innings folded at 234 all out in 47.5 overs, with Basson finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 23, supported by Jason Roels’ 2 wickets.
Chasing 235, South Africa crumbled under pressure, bowled out for just 179 in 37.4 overs. Jason Roels offered some resistance with 46 off 40 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes, while Lethabo Fhalamohlaka added 26. Daniel Bosman (19) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (20) chipped in, but it wasn’t enough.
West Indies’ Shakwan Belle was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 6 wickets for 40 runs in 10 overs. Jakim Pollard, Israel Morton, and Vitell Logie picked up one wicket each, sealing a comprehensive triumph that boosts West Indies’ momentum heading into the Super-6 phase.