Clarke comes to NZ's rescue as Kiwis book semi spot

Kristian Clarke starred with ball and then bat as New Zealand reached the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup semifinals for the fourth time with a remarkable come-from-behind two-wicket win over West Indies at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Wednesday.

The junior Black Caps appeared to be headed out of the competition when they slumped to 153 for eight chasing 239.

But Clarke struck an unbeaten 46 and shared in an unbroken 86-run ninth wicket partnership with Field (38 not out) that guided their side to a fine upset win with two balls to spare.

Clarke’s innings was the highest score ever by a No 10 batsman in the ICC U19 World Cup and his ninth-wicket partnership with Field was also the highest in a run chase in the tournament’s history.

“I don’t think I’ve been part of a better game than that,” player-of-the-match Clarke said. “Obviously playing my part was good, but the whole game was up and down, so we’re just thankful to get over the line.”

Their exploits came against a West Indian team that had swept all before them by winning their first three games to top a tough Group A.

The 2016 winners could not get through their quarterfinal tie, though, despite dominating for most of the game.

Kirk McKenzie’s 99 had earlier helped them post a competitive 238 all out in 47.5 overs, with the left-hander clubbing three sixes and 11 fours along the way after his captain Kimani Melius had won the toss and opted to bat first.

Seamer Clarke was the pick of the bowlers for the New Zealanders, but his efforts appeared to be scant consolation after being initially let down by his top order.

Ashmead Nedd was the key man for West Indies with the ball, claiming 3-33, with two wickets each from Matthew Forde (2- 64) and Joshua James (2-45) leaving their opposition looking dead and buried.

However, Clarke and Field had other ideas, sharing in a match-winning stand that put plucky New Zealand into the last four.

“We definitely wanted to try and reach as far as possible in the tournament and getting to the semifinal is an excellent effort by our boys,” Clarke added. “Everyone has stood up and it has been a really good team effort.”