Windies reach U19 WC quarters with controversial win over Zimbabwe

Dubai : 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.