ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) extends its warmest congratulations to rising star Vitel Lawes on his deserved selection in the 2026 ICC Under 19 World Cup Team of the Tournament.
The 18-year-old Jamaican left-arm wrist spin bowler was a standout performer for the team, showcasing skill, bravery and consistency that captured the attention of the global cricketing community and the hearts of supporters across the region.
His inclusion in the prestigious team, selected by a panel of ICC experts and commentators, is a testament to his impactful performances on the world stage.
Lawes emerged as a leader in the West Indies bowling attack, finishing as the highest wicket-taker for the team with 10 scalps. His ability to extract turn from the pitch and make crucial breakthroughs at key moments was a highlight of the tournament.
In the team’s opening encounter against Tanzania, Lawes struck with 3/23 to help restrict the opponents and set up a relatively easy chase for his side. In the following game, a defeat to Afghanistan, Lawes again picked up three wickets, this time for 48 runs.
Figures of 1/60 against South Africa in their final group game and 2/41 against Ireland in the Super 6 stage were marked by less bowling dominance but rather, crucial breakthroughs to nullify dangerous partnerships. He then signed off the tournament with 1/55 against Australia. He also had the most dot balls bowled with 150.
Speaking after being named to the prestigious team, Lawes remarked on his tournament experience saying,
“It was an excellent tournament for me. Besides the team lifting the trophy, I couldn’t ask for anything better in a World Cup. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before the tournament, I promised myself that I would give it 110 per cent every game and I think I did that as best as I could,” Lawes shared.
“Being named in the Team of the Tournament is a very big achievement for me. In the Sri Lanka series last year, I only took one wicket and at one point I was questioning if I was going to make the World Cup team. To come from such a low moment, this is a tremendous feeling and to be the only West Indian makes it even more special for me, the region and my country. I feel like I represented my region and country very well in the circumstances.”
Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe also shared his thoughts on the honour saying,
“Vitel’s selection to the ICC Under 19 World Cup Team of the Tournament is richly deserved and reflects both his individual quality and his growth as a cricketer.”
“Throughout the tournament, he showed maturity beyond his years, tremendous skill, and an excellent understanding of his role. All culminating in the ability to strike at important times against quality opposition. Performances like these underline the value of our youth development pathways and give us great confidence in the next generation of West Indies players.”
In addition to Lawes, West Indies’ World Cup run also featured excellent performances from several members of the team.
Opening batter Zachary Carter was the only West Indian player to hit a century in the tournament, a feat he accomplished in the victory over South Africa. He also struck a half century in the defeat to Australia. He enjoyed a generally explosive tournament with 13 sixes and 17 fours struck at 5.8 deliveries per boundary.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew was also a consistent provider at the top of the order while 17-year-old Tanez Francis impressed alongside Carter. With the ball, Shaquan Belle finished with the tournament’s best bowling figures, 6/40 against South Africa.
Pace partner Jakeem Pollard had an extraordinary dot ball percentage of 68.4% as 130 of his 190 deliveries yielded no runs. Belle, Carter and Micah McKenzie were the three West Indians to claim Player of the Match prizes against Tanzania, South Africa and Ireland, respectively.
Cricket West Indies commends the entire West Indies Under 19 squad and support staff for their commitment and effort throughout the tournament, laying a strong foundation for the future of West Indies cricket.
