ICC Under-19 World Cup

I wonder what odds you could have got prior to the start of the tournament for both Nepal and Namibia making the quarter-finals. Also, great bit of sportsmanship by the Namibian batsman to walk after edging one through to the keeper even though the umpire gave him not out. West Indies play Zimbabwe today for a place in the quarter-finals. I fully expect West Indies to move on.

An all-round display from Gidron Pope and a blazing century from Shamar Springer lifted West Indies Under-19 to a 262-run win over Fiji Under-19s

Pope's 76 at the top of the order got West Indies off to a solid start, before they lost four wickets in the space of scoring 20 runs to slip to 140 for 4.

From there, Springer and Jyd Goolie added 157 for the fifth wicket, before Goolie fell in the 46th over for 66 off 75 balls.

Springer was out in the final over for 106 off 78, having struck 10 fours and four sixes,

and West Indies finished on 340 for 7

West Indies have got off to a fantastic start, thanks again to Gidron Pope - who looks to be a T20 star in the making. Springer has also thoroughly impressed although he received an unbelievable reprieve when given not out despite being plumb lbw in front of the stumps. It was a shocker of a decision.

At 151/4 after 30 overs, West Indies are in firm control of this match, though they have been aided by some very poor fielding from Zimbabwe with 3 dropped catches so far. Based on what I have seen out of Zimbabwe in their first two matches, a score of 230 should be more than plenty, though West Indies will have their eyes set on a target of 280+.

For Zimbabwe, Wesley Mahevere has again impressed me, especially when bowling around the wicket. He has a big future ahead of him.

Springer departs for 61. Another good knock, but Zimbabwe get a much needed breakthrough. West Indies 164/5. Keemo Paul, who impressed against England, comes to the crease. This is an important 15-minutes, another wicket or two could change this match.

Another run out and suddenly, the momentum in this match has shifted. Poor cricket. Confusion reigned supreme between the two batsman. Goolie took off like a jack rabbit only to find that Keemo Paul was rooted to the crease and had no interest in a single, leaving both runners at the same end. You can't give away wickets like that. Zimbabwe have their tails up. West Indies 171/6 after 35 overs.

A great 30-minutes for Zimbabwe. Keemo Paul departs playing a very undisciplined shot. West Indies 188/7 after 39 overs. All the West Indies batsman have got themselves in, but have failed to push on. Ian Bishop on commentary was quick to point out that a large majority of the West Indies batsman have not played any international cricket and so still learning how to play with discipline.

Oh boy. West Indies have got themselves into a bit of a mess as Zimbabwe continue to pick up wickets. 191/8 (40.3 ovs). This is set up to be some kind of match. Zimbabwe have pulled themselves right back into this one. West Indies have to somehow find a way to bat out their full 50 overs.

Edit: Things get drastically worse as Joseph is out first ball. A very nifty catch off his own bowling by Magarira and West Indies have collapsed to 191/9. That was a great catch from Magarira and yet he barely even celebrated. Zimbabwe have some good looking young spinners.

A very useful last wicket partnership of 35 gets West Indies up to 226/9 from their 50 overs.

Cappo's so messed up this thread !!!!  Do you ever look back at what you've posted? ..... and by the way I don't know why this has come up 'report to modeator'