The West Indies U-19s captured fifth place at the ICC Under-19 World Cup after their playoff match again Australia in Benoni was rained out on Friday.
The Australians may well be cursing the inclement weather as they had looked in control at the break. Anchored by half-centuries from Liam Scott and Cooper Connolly, the Australians put 319 for 8 on the board. Matthew Patrick was the pick of the Windies bowlers after claiming 3 for 43.
In pursuit, the West Indies began briskly with openers Kimani Melius and Leonardo Julien scoring 62 runs in 12.3 overs. Melius was dismissed for 39 but no more play was possible when the skies opened up after the player left the field and the rain never let up. The situation forced the umpires to call off the match. The Windies ended with a run rate of 4.96, which was behind the required Australia rate of 6.88.
According to tournament rules, in case of a washed-out knockout game, the team that finished higher on points at the end of the group stage would finish higher. West Indies were unbeaten in Group B, while Australia had lost to West Indies. (www.sportsmax.tv)