By Razeen Gutta
The ICC Under-19 World Cup got underway in South Africa on Friday with the Proteas beating the West Indies in an opening day thriller.
The Windies won the toss and opted to field first in Potchefstroom. Lhuan-Dre Pretorius started strong for the hosts, hitting 40 off 34 balls after Steve Stolk was dismissed early.
David Teeger got a composed 44 off 98 balls while Dewan Marais was the star of the middle order with an accelerated 65 off 38 to get the Proteas to 285/9 in their 50 overs.
In response, Jewel Andrew stole the show for the visitors, smashing 130 off 96 balls in the run chase.
Wickets tumbled around him, though, with Kwena Maphaka taking 5/38 to help South Africa to a 31 run win with nearly 10 overs to spare.
In Bloemfontein it was a low scoring affair, with Ireland making use of the movement early on by bowling first.
The pacers took four powerplay wickets and once the 40 over mark had come the USA were all out for just 105.
Three wickets fell during the course of the run chase, however Ireland made quick work of their seven wicket win, doing so in under 23 overs.
On Saturday India take on Bangladesh, Scotland face England and Pakistan meet Afghanistan.
The hosts are next in action against England on Tuesday.
Pictured above: South Africa start strong.
Image source: @proteasmencsa
