West Indies slipped from a position of strength to a two-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Wednesday’s quarterfinals of the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup in South Africa.

After having New Zealand on the verge of elimination of 153 for 8, needing 239 to win, Joey Field and Kristian Clarke, number nine and 10, respectively, the West Indies were upended by an unbeaten 86-run ninth-wicket stand that knocked them out of the tournament.

Opting to bat, the West Indies lost two wickets inside the first 10 overs for 32 runs. However, Kevlon Anderson (33) and Kirk McKenzie posted a stand of 78 runs. That was followed by a 73-run fourth-wicket stand between McKenzie and Antonio Morris (31) set up the West Indies total.

The West Indies were in line to score much more but Clarke and left-arm spinner and Jesse Tashkoff, the New Zealand skipper, combined to trigger a West Indies collapse that saw the Caribbean side plunge from 183 for 3 to 205 for 8 in just 45 balls. The innings closed at 238 all out in 48 overs.

McKenzie, who had retired hurt, returned to be the last West Indies batsman out for a well-played 99.

The West Indies bowlers then set about the New Zealand batting setting the team up for a comprehensive victory.

Opener Ollie White was out for a duck early and Rhys Mariu soon followed for 26.

It was soon 67 for 4, after Fergus Lellman and Tashkoff fell within four balls.

Quinn Sunde (32) and Simon Keene staged a brief recovery to take New Zealand to 118 but Ashmead Nedd triggered a collapse taking three wickets in a space of 15 deliveries.

With New Zealand struggling at 153 for 8, Field and Clarke gradually rescued their team and eventually got them over the line with two balls to spare.

Clarke's 46 was the highest score by a No. 10 in the Under-19 World Cup history while their partnership was the highest for the ninth wicket in a chase.