Reifer pleased with Under-19s’ winning performance against South Africa

West Indies Under-19 head coach Floyd Reifer says he was pleased with the improvements shown from his side, especially in the field, following their emphatic eight-wicket win over South Africa in the second one-day international at Arnos Vale in St Vincent yesterday.

The West Indies 'Rising Stars' first blew away South Africa with the ball dismissing them for 103 in 31.3 overs, then raced to 104 for two in 23.2 overs to square the four-match series at one game apiece.

Left-arm spinner Jaden Carmichael ripped through the mid to lower order to lead the way with three wickets for 25 runs from 8.3 overs. However, it was the faster men, Johann Layne and McKenny Clarke, that started the debacle by picking up two wickets each at the top of the order to set back the young South Africans.

Fellow left-arm spinner Anderson Mahase also weighed in with the ball by snaring two wickets for 34 runs in seven overs.

At their turn at the crease, opener Matthew Nandu led the run chase for the young West Indies team with a brisk unbeaten 42 from 75 balls with four fours, while captain Akeem Auguste was left not out on 28 with four fours. Teddy Bishop chipped in with 25 from 37 balls with three fours.

The win was certainly encouraging for coach Reifer and his staff who are keen to get every area of the team's game right before the start of the ICC World Cup in early January.

"I must say congrats to the team. I thought the bowlers bowled very well and the fielding performance was a major improvement. That is something that we want to be consistent in doing by saving 10 to 15 runs every time we are in the field," said Reifer.

The West Indies will face the South Africans again tomorrow in the third ODI and Reifer is looking for even better performances as the team builds up momentum towards their World Cup opener against Australia on January 14.

"We have a long way to go in terms of where we want to be at, so we are taking it one game at a time and we are looking forward to the next game on Thursday," Reifer added.