West Indies fast bowlers too good for Zimbabwe

The West Indian fast bowler, Jermaine Lawson, claimed the first hat trick in the history of the U19 World Cup in his teams win over Zimbabwe. Replying to the West Indian total of 234 for 6, Zimbabwe were reduced to 92-9 when bad light stopped play in the 32nd over. No further play was possible and the West Indies were declared winners, 57 runs ahead according to the Duckworth Lewis system.

West Indies won the toss and elected to bat on an excellent cricketing wicket at the NCC ground in Colombo. Zimbabwe opening bowlers, Mluleki Nkala and Travis Friend, contained well early on. Nkala with a smooth and simple action, got good movement of the seam, both into and away from the batsmen.

Barbadian, Kirk Wilkinson, batting at number 3, was the pick of the top order. He kept the total moving along, using his feet well to the spinners and running excellently between the wickets, eventually perishing, caught and bowled by Ewing for 31. Deonarine followed cheaply, bringing together the experienced Ryan Hinds and Marlow Samuels, Captain and Vice Captain respectively, with the score on 102-4.

Samuels was positive from the start, driving his first delivery back past Nkala for four. Patiently supported by Hinds the pair went on to share in a fifth wicket partnership of 125 in 19 overs. Of these runs Samuels contributed 82, hitting nine boundaries that included three towering sixes. It was a commanding innings, a blend of sound technique and belligerent strokeplay. The Zimbabwean bowlers did well to contain the runs at the end of the innings by the end of their allocated 50 overs, the West Indian total of 234 for 6 looked a very competitive score on a large ground.

In reply, Zimbabwe lost early wickets. The batsmen were quickly forced on to the back foot in the face of some hostile bowling from Andrew Richardson and Carlitos Lopez. Lopez soon ripped into the top order, with three wickets in the space of five overs. Jermain Lawson picked up his first, Nkala for just 1, leaving Zimbabwe reeling on 25-4 in the eleventh over. All four were caught by wicket-keeper Greg Francois.

Greg Lamb and Trevor Friend then had to try and consolidate and were going well when Lamb was run out for 17 by a direct hit. Another run out followed, purely on the result of the pressure being applied by a buoyant West Indian fielding side.

Lawson's hat trick was yet to come. It did so in deteriorating light and somewhat controversial circumstances.

The umpires made first use of the light meters in the 28th over. Play was allowed to continue with spinners, Hinds and Samuels bowling in tandem. The West Indians appeared to have done their Duckworth Lewis calculations. One more wicket at this stage would see them win on Dukworth Lewis calculations.

Quick bowler, Jermaine Lawson was recalled for his second spell, in the 31st over. The light did not appear to have improved at all, but was, according to the umpires, sufficient from the scorebox end. Lawson struck immediately, breaking through Travis's defence. Gavin Ewing drove his first ball to point, Hamilton Masakadza completing the trio, flirting with a ball outside his off stump and being caught by keeper Francois.

Moments later the light was offered to the batsmen, the players leaving the field with Zimababwe on 92-9. At the six o'clock off point, West Indies were confirmed the winners by 57 runs.

Reacting to the situation, Zimbabwe's test playing coach of the U19 side, Paul Strang, said that he was disappointed that the umpires had allowed Lawson back to bowl in the circumstances. "Its not like it changed the nature of the game. However if one of the players had got injured it would have been a problem. I was most concerned with the safety of he players."

The West Indies were within their rights to recall Lawson. Coach Gus Logie, speaking to CRICINFO, said "everyone knows the rules and it must be left to the umpires to decide. Having picked three fast bowlers it would have been a waste not to use them in order to win the game."

Controversy aside, this was a enthralling game of cricket. Nothing should be taken away from an impressive batting and bowling by the West Indians.

Zimbabwian coach, Strang, was philosophical about the defeat and confident his team would bounce back. "We made too many mistakes in all parts of our game. You cannot do that at this level. Our batsmen need to work on a more positive approach and not be content with scoring 2 or 3 runs an over. They also need to build partnerships, 20 or 30 at a time. I will be asking the boys to tell how they thought the West Indies played in their innings. We can learn from that.

Zimbabwe can still qualify for the super league. They must win both their remaining group matches against England and the Americas.

The West Indies have received a morale boosting start to the campaign to the tournament. They may however regret their decision to bring back the quicks as run rates from Duckworth Lewis affected matches cannot be counted in calculations of net run rate. They are also unlikely to find a wicket more suited to the Caribbean style than that at the NCC. If the batsmen can apply themselves and play well against quality spin bowling on the Sri Lankan pitches, West Indies will be a strong force.