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Key Takeaways
- 1đź“Š West Indies chased 122 comfortably, scoring 124/5 with Francis and Andrew combining for crucial runs
- 2🏆 Vitel Lawes' 3-23 spearheaded bowling attack as Tanzania collapsed to 122 all out
- 3đź’ˇ Caribbean side's balanced batting and bowling depth on full display in tournament opener
- 4đź”® West Indies positioned as strong contenders with convincing victory setting up group-stage momentum
"Zimbabwe U-19 and Scotland U-19 shared points after a washout in Harare"
West Indies U-19 made a commanding statement in their 2026 Men's U-19 World Cup campaign, dismantling Tanzania U-19 by five wickets in Windhoek to secure the tournament's first decisive result.
Chasing Tanzania's modest total of 122, the Caribbean youngsters overhauled the target with relative ease, reaching 124 for 5 in a clinical display. Jermaine Francis (52) and Alick Andrew (44) provided the backbone of the chase, combining for a match-winning partnership that showcased West Indies' batting depth.
Bowling Dominance Sets Up Victory
Vitel Lawes was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs to dismantle Tanzania's batting lineup. Nico Belle and Denzil McKenzie provided crucial support, taking 2 wickets each as Tanzania crumbled to 122 all out. Only Aryan Thakrar (26) offered meaningful resistance in a batting collapse that highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides.
West Indies' decision to bowl first proved decisive, with their pace attack exploiting conditions expertly. Tanzania never recovered from early wicket losses and couldn't build any substantial partnerships. The comprehensive nature of the victory—winning by five wickets while batting second—underscores West Indies' credentials as genuine contenders in the tournament.
This dominant performance sets a strong foundation for the Caribbean side's group-stage campaign, signaling their intent to challenge for the title.
