West Indies recorded a hard-fought three-wicket win over hosts Bangladesh to set up a final against India in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Dhaka on Thursday.
All-rounder Shamar Springer orchestrated the win with an unbeaten 62 off 88 balls and two for 36 as the young Caribbean side reached 230 for seven in 48.4 overs after restricting Bangladesh to 226 for nine at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The final will be held at the same venue on February 14.
Skipper Shimron Hetmyer also played a big part in a crucial chase with 60 off 59 balls.
Bangladesh skipper Mehedi Hasan won the toss and opted to bat but the team soon found themselves in trouble, losing the first five wickets for 113 runs.
Mehedi made 60 off 74 balls and shared 85 runs with Mohammad Saifuddin (36) for the sixth wicket to give the innings some respectability.
Pacer Keemo Paul (three for 20) dismissed Mehedi and Saifuddin off successive balls to deny Bangladesh any chance of getting a bigger total.
West Indies made a quick start in pursuit of a modest target thanks to Gidron Pope's 38 off 25 balls, but Mehedi brought Bangladesh back into the contest with two wickets.
Hetmyer kept West Indies on track with his second 50 in as many matches before he was removed by Saifuddin.
Left-arm spinner Saleh Ahmed claimed three for 37 to give Bangladesh a glimmer of hope but Springer, who benefited from a dropped catch off Saifuddin on 15, kept his cool to complete the win.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the first semi-final.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh Under-19s 226 for nine in 50 overs (Mehedi Hasan 60, Mohammad Saifuddin 36; Keemo Paul three for 20) lost to West Indies Under-19s 230 for seven in 48.4 overs (Shamar Springer 62 not out, Shimron Hetmyer 60; Saleh Ahmed three for 37)
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