U19 World Cup: India fall to West Indies in opener

South Africa, England and New Zealand also secure easy wins.

KARACHI: Former champions India got off to a shaky start at the ICC U19 World Cup, suffering a four-wicket defeat at the hands of the West Indies in their opening Group C encounter at the Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville yesterday. 

India could not recover from an abysmal start after they were asked to bat first as the Caribbean pacers took control right from the start, reducing India to 50 for four.

They failed to recover, losing wickets at regular intervals and had to settle for a mediocre 166 for eight in the stipulated 50 overs.

Smit Patel (51) and Vijay Zol (26) were the main scorers, while Ronsford Beaton ended as the chief tormentor with figures of three for 33.

While West Indies were also off to a poor start, losing both openers for 13, Anthony Alleyne (52), Kyle Mayers (43) and John Campbell (36) helped their side overhaul the target with 17 balls to spare.

SA rout Bangladesh

In another match, South Africa thrashed Bangladesh by 133 runs to start their campaign with a bang in Group D.

After posting a competitive 294 for eight, courtesy Q de kock (95) and TB de Bruyn (63), South Africa bundled out Bangladesh for just 161 with Vincent Moore grabbing three wickets. Captain Anamul Haque (39) was the top score from the losing side.

England, NZ also seal winning points

Meanwhile, England and New Zealand also collected full points following comfortable victories against their respective opponents.

England eased past Ireland by seven wickets in their second Group A game while the Kiwis, courtesy a superb hundred by Will Young, opened their campaign with a 39-run win over Scotland.

Pakistan who defeated Afghanistan in their first match will meet Scotland today in their second Group B game today.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2012.