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ZIMBABWE’S bid for a quarter-final berth at the 2016 International Cricket Council Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh was dashed in the most cruel manner when they lost their last wicket through a run-out that gave West Indies a two-run win and a place in the next round. Needing three runs off the final over to win this Group C decider played today at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in the port city of Chittagong, Zimbabwe were instead left shattered after Keemo Paul effected a “mankad” to dismiss non-striker Richard Ngarava, who had his bat on the line, and literally steal the match for the Caribbean youngsters.

While it is viewed as not in the spirit of the game, a mankad however remains a legal dismissal where a bowler runs out a non-striker who has strayed outside his crease after the bowler has started his run-up but before entering his delivery stride.

Thanks to the controversy, the remarkable manner in which Stephen Mangongo’s charges fought for a victory will now be relegated to a footnote. Chasing 227 runs to win, opener Shaun Snyder led from the front with a 52 that steadied the innings after the early loss of Brendan Sly and Ryan Murray who both had their furniture rearranged for five and four respectively by fierce paceman Alzarri Joseph.

Zimbabwe continued with their composed fightback, with Jeremy Ives (37) and William Mashinge (23) making significant contributions with the bat, but a close decision marked the turning point of the match.

Scores
West Indies Under-19s — 226 for 9 in 50 overs (Shamar Springer 61, Tevin Imlach 31; Rugare Magarira 3/28; Wesley Madhevere 2/48)

Zimbabwe Under-19s — 224 in 49 overs (Shaun Snyder 52, Adam Keefe 43; Alzarri Joseph 4/30, Shamar Springer 2/6)

West Indies Under-19s won by two runs — zimcricket.