Windies reach U19 WC quarters with controversial win over Zimbabwe

The West Indies secured the last quarter-final spot in the Under19 Cricket World Cup with a thrilling, but controversial, two-run win over Zimbabwe on Tuesday that gave them second place in Group C behind England.

Zimbabwe, chasing the West Indies' 226 for nine, began the last over needing just three runs to win with one wicket in hand amid mounting tension in Chittagong.

But, West Indies seamer Keemo Paul effected a mankad by whipping off the bails before sending down the first ball, catching non-striker Richard Ngarava out of his crease. The decision was referred to the TV umpire who declared Ngarava run-out.

The last-wicket incident proved an anti-climax to what had been an absorbing do-or-die contest between two valiant teams attempting to nail a quarter-final berth.

Zimbabwe were reduced to 147 for six following a four-wicket haul by fast bowler Alzaari Joseph, before Adam Keefe (43) and Wesley Madhevere (21) led a remarkable fightback by adding 62 runs for the seventh wicket.

Shamar Springer, who had top-scored with 61 in the West Indies innings, turned his team's hero with the ball by dismissing both batsmen to finish with two for 16 in four overs.

The West Indies will take on the winner of Wednesday's last league match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the fourth quarter-final in Fatullah on 8 February, while Zimbabwe will play Canada in the Plate Championships quarter-final in Cox's Bazar on 5 February.

Zimbabwe coach Stephen Mangongo said he was happy with the way his side had fought in the match. "I am proud of my boys. Restricting the West Indies for 226 on a batting-friendly wicket was a good performance and we were up for the chase. And like any other games, we lost quick wickets under pressure.

"I am disappointed with the way the game ended. I have debriefed the boys in the dressing room and they were all crying. We have explained that technically the run-out is legal. We left it to the last man and we should not have done that. It was a hard lesson and they have learnt it the hard way.