DUBAI, UAE (CMC) — Nicolas Pooran blasted a century for West Indies Under-19 but it was not enough to avoid a five-wicket defeat by Australia in the quarter-finals of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Cricket World Cup here yesterday.

West Indies Under-19s were bowled out for 208, after being 70 for eight at one stage. Australia reached 209 for five and advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament.

West Indies won the toss and decided to bat, but lost five batsmen for only 52 runs on the board. They lost three more wickets for only 18 runs until Pooran decided to take charge and stem the haemorrhage.

Man-of-the-match Pooran shared a ninth-wicket stand of 136 with Jerome Jones to revive West Indies. Jones played sensible and ensured Pooran got as much strike as possible in their fightback.

West Indies were 206 runs when Jones ran out for 20 and two runs later Pooran’s good fortunes ended after he shuffled across to play at a delivery from Guy Walker, which knocked his middle stump.

Pooran made 143 from 160 balls, which included 14 fours and six sixes.

Walker was the best Australian bowler, also removing the destructive Tagenarine Chanderpaul (four) and Jonathan Drakes (0), finishing with three for 44. Ben Ashkenazi and Thomas Andrews took two wickets apiece.

Pooran, reflecting on his innings, said: “At 70 for eight, I wasn’t thinking much. I just wanted to do what my coaches had said, which is to bat, bat and bat, and occupy the crease as much as possible.”

Australia captain Alex Gregory praised Pooran when he said: “Pooran played an outstanding innings. He was in control the whole time and played some outstanding shots.”

Matthew Short (52) and Jason Morgan (55) gave the Australians a magnificent start with a partnership of 107 runs, halfway through their victory target. It was enough to cruise home with Ben McDermott (29) and Jake Doran unbeaten on 49 and with 20 balls to spare.

Australia will join South Africa, England and Pakistan in the semi-finals, while West Indies will play Afghanistan in one of the play-off matches tomorrow.

Summarised Scores: West Indies 208 all out (49.5 overs) Nicolas Pooran 143, Jerome Jones 20, Jeremy Solozano 10; Guy Walker 3-44, Ben Ashkenazi 2-37, Thomas Andrews 2-57.

Australia 209-5 (46.4 overs) Jason Morgan 55, Matthew Short 52, Jake Doran 49 not out; Ray Jordan 2-34, Bryan Charles 2-41, Jerome Jones 1-33.