Under-19 World Cup reigning champions South Africa and the West Indies played out a thrilling tie in their official warm-up match in Fatullah yesterday ahead of the tournament proper, which starts this Wednesday.
In the other match of the day, which was also curtailed by bad weather at the start, first-timers Fiji were beaten by Scotland by 21 runs.
South Africa, chasing the West Indies’ 153 for nine in 35 overs, appeared to be in total control when they began the final over needing just seven runs with seven wickets in hand. But fast bowler Keemo Paul claimed a wicket and conceded only six runs to conjure an exciting tie. Wiaan Mulder remained unbeaten on 58 as South Africa finished on 153 for four.
The West Indies, asked to bat first, were steered to a challenging total by Keacy Carty’s 45 and an unbeaten 33 off 34 balls by tail-ender Michael Frew.
In the other match, also in Fatullah, Scotland elected to bat and piled up 192 for eight in 36 overs with Rory Johnston making 53 and Finlay McCreath chipping in with 36. Fiji’s seamer Josaia Baleicikoibia took three for 26.
Fiji made a gallant attempt to surpass the stiff target before being bowled out for 171 in the 32nd over. Opener Delaimatuku Maraiwai scored 57 and lower-order batsman Tuwai Yabaki smashed an unbeaten 36 off 16 balls with the help of five boundaries and two sixes.
For Scotland, Haris Aslam claimed four wickets for 39 runs and Mitchell Rao took three for 22.
