Apple fireworks as West Indies dominate 2nd warm-up

Windhoek witnessed a stunning display of power-hitting and disciplined bowling as the West Indies Under-19 team continued their preparations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Cricket World Cup, defeating Japan Under-19 by a colossal 229 runs.
Japan elected to field first, and their new-ball bowlers made early inroads. Kai Wall struck twice in consecutive overs, removing Zachary Carter for 15 and Kunal Tilokani for a duck, leaving the Windies at 42-2 after just nine overs.
What followed was a blistering display of batting from the West Indies. Shamar Apple tore through the Japanese attack with an electrifying 124 from only 65 balls, smashing 10 fours and eight sixes in the process. Partnering him, Tanez Francis played the steadying role, remaining unbeaten on 122 off 148 balls. Their remarkable partnership propelled the Windies to a formidable total of 346.

Japan’s chase never gained momentum as West Indies’ bowlers struck consistently. R’Jai Gittens led the charge, claiming four top-order wickets and reducing Japan to 54/7. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 117 in 42.3 overs, giving the West Indies a resounding 229-run triumph.
This dominant performance concludes the Windies’ warm-up games, giving them confidence ahead of their ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup campaign, which officially begins against Tanzania on January 15th at 03:30h. With a combination of explosive batting and disciplined bowling, the West Indies look ready to make a mark in the tournament.
Other warm-up results saw Tanzania and Pakistan recording victories.

Tanzania fight back to defeat Ireland
Tanzania elected to field first, and their decision paid dividends as they dismissed Ireland for 197, with Khalidy Juma leading the way with five for 35.
Discipline with the ball repeatedly stopped Ireland from building partnerships, despite defiant knocks from Adam Leckey (38) and Freddie Ogilby (36).
Tanzania’s response got off to a difficult start, with Dylan Thakrar and Darpan Jobanputra falling for ducks as they slipped to seven for two.
Wickets continued to fall early, with Oliver Riley removing all of Tanzania’s top four batters to put his side in control with Tanzania reeling on 21 for six.
However, Mohamed Simba Mbaki was undeterred and sparked Tanzania’s resurgence, scoring 49 from 59 before being removed by Luke Murray, having dragged his side to 134 for eight.

Abdulazak Mohamedi continued the resistance with 46 from 68 deliveries, which was backed up by Acrey Hugo’s 29 not out from 48.
That put Tanzania in striking distance at 190 for nine, and Ally Hafidhi then came in and wrapped up victory.

Pakistan ease past USA
Pakistan defeated the USA by 69 runs in Bulawayo after impressive performances with bat and ball.
Pakistan’s opening pair, Sameer Minhas and Mohammed Shayan, put on 105 before Sameer retired out, having made 74 off 55 deliveries with eight fours and four sixes.
Almost all of Pakistan’s batters earned starts, with eight reaching double figures. Ahmad Hussain impressed with his 43 from 62 balls, and Ali Hassan Baloch scored a quick-fire 36 from 19 balls, featuring two fours and three maximums.
Pakistan went on to score 294 from their 50 overs and bowled well in response, bowling the USA out for 225.
The attack shared the load as seven bowlers took wickets, which fell at regular intervals to curb any US momentum.
Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan both made sizeable impacts, taking two for 24 and two for 27, respectively.
There were positives to take for the USA batting line-up, however, particularly Sahil Garg’s knock of 75 from 83.