Under-19 World Cup 2024: Ireland thrash USA, hosts South Africa beat West Indies in tournament openers

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Under-19 World Cup 2024: In the first two matches of the Under-19 World Cup 2024, USA U-19 thrashed Ireland U-19 by seven wickets, while hosts South Africa thrashed West Indies by 31 runs.

Ireland opted to bowl after winning the toss in the first Group A match at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, and bundled out USA at a paltry total of 105 runs in 40.2 overs. Pacers Reuben Wilson and Oliver Riley picked three wickets each.

As many as eight USA batters got out for single digit scores. Their number nine batter Khush Bhalala top-scored with unbeaten 22 runs off 38 balls. In reply, Ireland chased down the target with seven wickets and 163 balls to spare. Opener Ryan Hunter scored unbeaten 50 runs, while captain Philippus le Roux remained unbeaten on 23 off 31 balls.

South Africa and West Indies locked horns in a Group B match which was played at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl but could not stop South Africa from posting a 286-run target.

Opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius and number three batter David Teeger scored 40 and 44 runs respectively. Middle-order batter Dewan Marais scored 65 runs off 38 balls.

South Africa were six down for 145 in 34.4 overs at one stage, but a 131-run partnership between Marais and captain Juan James (47 off 54) changed the complexion of the game and helped South Africa finish at 285/9.

In reply, West Indies endured a horrific start and were reduced to 17/3 in the first three overs. At the end of 10 overs, West Indies were five down for 73. Left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka picked the first three wickets, and right-arm pacer Riley Norton picked the next two wickets.

Just when it appeared like South Africa would run away with the match, West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew (130 off 96) hit the first hundred of the Under-19 World Cup 2024. His sixth wicket partnership with Nathan Sealy (33) accounted for 117 runs.

But the momentum again shifted in the favour of South Africa once Sealy got run out in the 29th over. Andrew, who hit 14 fours and three sixes, continued his onslaught but the wickets falling from the other end created pressure on him.

As the eighth wicket fell on the score of 250, Andrew looked to smash another boundary but edged the delivery in the hands of the wicket-keeper. The last pair of Isai Thorne and Deshawn James could add four more runs before Maphaka (5/38) completed his five-wicket haul and West Indies were rolled over for 254 in 40.1 overs. West Indies were in need of 36 runs from 65 deliveries when Andrew departed.