Latest update March 12th, 2026 9:56 PM
West Indies vs. Tanzania: Francis, bowlers pilot Windies to 5-wicket empathic win
…2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 50-Over World Cup
By Clifton Ross
Kaieteur Sports – West Indies opener Tanez Francis stroked a classy half-century while their bowlers came to the party, as the Caribbean side handed Tanzania a 5-wicket defeat yesterday when the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 50-Over World Cup got underway at Windhoek, Namibia.
Fresh off a huge win over the Japanese in the warm-ups, West Indies continued their marauding ways as they knocked over the Tanzanians for a mere 122 all out in 34 overs.
It was an exceptional bowling exhibition by the Caribbean lads, as the mixed combination of spin and pace led to the undoing of their opponents.
Left-arm spinner Vital Lawes starred with the ball.
Left-arm spinner Vitel Lawes was the pick of the lot with returns of 3-23, backed by the classy off-break operator in Micah McKenzie who claimed 2-15.
The seamers in Shaquan Belle (2-23), Vice-captain Johnathan Van Lange (1-18) and R’jai Gittens (1-17), led a comprehensive bowling mission which lent ideal support to the two spinners.
Only openers Dylan Thakrar (26) and Darpan Jobanputra (19) who added 53 for the first wicket, looked threatening.
Wicket-keeper Arcey Hugo (10) and tail-ender Khalidy Juma (12) reached double figures for the Tanzanians.
West Indies vice-captain Johnathan Van Lange was among the wickets.
The chase was simple for the Caribbean side with in-form opener Tanez Francis following up his ton versus Japan, with an equally classy 52 off 55 (5×4 1×6).
West Indies T20 and ODI batsman and one of the more experienced youngsters in the side, 19-year-old Jewel Andrew cracked a run-a-ball 44 with 6 fours and a maximum.
The duo added 80 for the second wicket which basically set up the win, despite losing Zachary Carter (5), Captain Josh Dorne (8) and Van Lange (0).
In-form Guyanese hard-hitting striker, Shamar Apple (4*) who struck a fiery ton alongside Francis in the warm-ups, saw the game home with Player-of-the-match, Belle (6*).
Ally Hafidh was bowled by Vitel Lawes. (Matthew Lewis/ICC/Getty Images)
Tanzanian fast-bowler Agustino Mwamele bagged 2-17 while young Googly leg-break prospect Raymond Francis snared an impressive 2-23 with left-spinner Laksh Bakrania (1-26) wrapping up a decent bowling outing.
India beat USA by 6 wickets during their encounter while Zimbabwe and Scotland’s battle was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Meanwhile, West Indies will turn their attention to their next opponents Afghanistan, who they tackle Sunday in the next match.
Scores: West Indies U-19 124 for 5 (Francis 52, Andrew 44, Mwamele 2-17) beat Tanzania U-19 122 (Thakrar 26, Lawes 3-23, McKenzie 2-15, Belle 2-23) by five wickets.
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