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by Ranjan Anandappa in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Australia delivered a crushing blow to the West Indies when they comprehensively defeated them by 93 runs in the second Super League semi final of the ICC Under 19 cricket tournament at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln, Christchurch yesterday.

Australia qualified to meet South Africa in a fitting final on Saturday, which is expected to be a blockbuster of a match. And Nepal who defeated Bangladesh by 23 runs will meet Zimbabwe in the 'Plate' final today (Friday) at Lincoln.

The Windies chasing a victory target of 252 for 8 in 50 overs started promisingly despite losing their main run scorer Donovan Pagan for 12 in the 4th over. Skipper Deonarine and Willet took control of the game thereafter and batted with more assurance to avoid further disaster.

However, with Deonarine falling to Doherty in the 22nd over with the score reading 103 for 3 and Simmons and Lorenzo Ingram both running themselves out due to the immense pressure built by the Aussies the Windies ushered in a crisis situation.

With the asking run rate soaring up, the Windies in the quest of quick runs made mistakes as they teetered and collapsed mid way losing their last 7 wickets for just 27 runs to hand over an easy win. Besides Tonito Willet (83) in 123 balls with 8 fours and six who was the eighth man out at 156 and skipper Narasingh Deonarine (40) with 4 fours facing 49 balls batted with distinction to frustrate the Australian bowlers for a while adding 82 runs for the third wicket.

The rest just perished under a steady bowling attack aided by enthusiastic fielding. The bowling attack consisted of spinners Robert Cassell left armer Xavier Doherty, Beau Casson and Jarrad Burke who took two wickets apiece.

Australia who batted first started tentatively after losing opener Burke early in the innings with only 10 runs on the board. But Simmons (84) the other opener along with Sean Marsh put on 50 runs for the second wicket. With Marsh's dismissal, Simmons found an ideal partner in skipper Cameron White (64) and the pair added a further 105 for the third wicket.

The Australian score was mainly based on these two partnerships and once White departed stumped by Simmons off Holder the Aussies were nearing their 200 run mark. Fast bowler Ryan Nurse, spinners Lorenzo Ingram and Ron Mathews shared two wickets each.

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