Australia cruise into U-19 World Cup semis

Dubai: Australia beat the West Indies by five wickets to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 cricket World Cup here Sunday. Nicolas Pooran (143) blasted a century for the West Indies but it was not enough to avoid a defeat in the quarterfinals, reports CMC. The West Indies were bowled out for 208, after being 70 for eight at one stage. Australia reached 209 for five and advanced to the semis. The Caribbean side won the toss and decided to bat but lost five batsmen for only 52 runs on the board. They lost three more wickets for only 18 runs until Pooran decided to take charge. [caption id=“attachment_1405491” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Pooran blasted a century for WI but it wasn’t enough. ICC[/caption] Man-of-the-match Pooran shared a ninth-wicket stand of 136 with Jerome Jones (20) to revive the West Indies. Jones played sensible and ensured Pooran got as much strike as possible in their fightback. The Windies were 206 runs when Jones ran out for 20 and two runs later Pooran’s good fortunes ended after he shuffled across to play at a delivery from Guy Walker, which knocked his middle stump. Pooran made 143 from 160 balls, including 14 fours and six sixes. Walker was the best Australian bowler, also removing the destructive Tagenarine Chanderpaul (4) and Jonathan Drakes (0), finishing with three for 44. Ben Ashkenazi and Thomas Andrews took two wickets apiece. Matthew Short (52) and Jason Morgan (55) gave the Australians a magnificent start with a partnership of 107 runs. It was enough to cruise home with Ben McDermott (29) and Jake Doran unbeaten on 49 and with 20 balls to spare. Ray Jordan took two for 34 and Bryan Charles two for 41, bowling for the West Indies. Australia will join South Africa, England and Pakistan in the semi-finals while the West Indies will play Afghanistan in one of the play-off matches Tuesday. Brief scores: West Indies: 208 all out (49.5 overs) Nicolas Pooran 143, Jerome Jones 20, Jeremy Solozano 10; Guy Walker 3-44, Ben Ashkenazi 2-37, Thomas Andrews 2-57 Australia: 209-5 (46.4 overs) Jason Morgan 55, Matthew Short 52, Jake Doran 49 not out; Ray Jordan 2-34, Bryan Charles 2-41, Jerome Jones 1-33 IANS