TOWNSVILLE, Australia (CMC):

West Indies Under-19s recovered quickly from an early slump against Zimbabwe to register their third straight win in the ICC Youth World Cup in Australia yesterday.

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite scored a composed and responsible half century to lead a recovery and steer the young Caribbean side to a comfortable six-wicket victory at Endeavour Park in Townsville.

With the victory, West Indies finished on top Group C and will now face New Zealand in the second quarter-final on Monday.

Unbeaten

Chasing 149 to win, Braithwaite batted to the end to be unbeaten on 70 as West Indies finished on 150 for the loss of four wickets in the 36th of the 50 overs allotted.

West Indies made a disastrous start losing Sunil Ambris and John Campbell in the second over to spinner Kieran Gayle without scoring after Zimbabwe mustered a paltry 148 for eight from their 50 overs.

Ambris was caught at deep square leg by Ryan Burl while Campbell edged his first ball to Luke Masasire at Gully as West Indies slumped to six for two.

Third-wicket partnership

Brathwaite added 44 runs in a stabilising third-wicket partnership with Anthony Alleyne as Windies regained control of the match.

Alleyne scored 24 before edging Wellington Masakadza's delivery to slip and Kyle Mayers who went after the bowling towards the end was unbeaten on 30.

Brathwaite hit nine fours in his 114-ball occupation of the crease which always looked safe except for when he was dropped by Andre Odendaal on 61.

Earlier, the West Indies made a bright start as their bowlers restricted the Zimbabwe batsmen.