Cricket West Indies (CWI) has congratulated Jamaican spinner Vitel Lawes after he was named in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Under-19 World Cup Team of the Tournament following a strong showing on the international stage.

The 18-year-old left-arm wrist spinner emerged as one of the standout performers for the West Indies Under-19 cricket team, impressing fans and selectors with his consistency and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs throughout the competition organised by the ICC.

Lawes finished as the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies with 10 wickets, playing a pivotal role in the team’s bowling attack. 

CWI said his ability to extract turn and apply pressure on opposing batters proved key across several matches.

The Jamaican made an immediate impact in the tournament opener against Tanzania, claiming figures of 3/23 to help restrict the opposition and set up a comfortable chase. He followed that performance with another three-wicket haul, taking 3/48 against Afghanistan.

Lawes continued to deliver important moments later in the tournament, picking up 1/60 against South Africa and 2/41 versus Ireland during the Super Six stage, before ending his campaign with 1/55 against Australia. He also led the tournament in dot balls bowled with 150 deliveries that conceded no runs.

Reflecting on his achievement, Lawes described the experience as a defining moment in his young career.

“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 said.

“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.”

Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe also praised the youngster’s development and impact during the competition.

“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,” Bascombe said.

The tournament also saw strong performances from several other West Indies players. Opening batter Zachary Carter scored the team’s only century of the tournament in the victory over South Africa and also registered a half-century against Australia. Wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew delivered consistent performances at the top of the order, while 17-year-old Tanez Francis also impressed with the bat.

With the ball, Shaquan Belle produced the tournament’s best bowling figures of 6/40 against South Africa, while pacer Jakeem Pollard maintained an impressive dot ball percentage, with 130 of his 190 deliveries conceding no runs. Belle, Carter and Micah McKenzie also secured Player of the Match honours during the tournament.

Cricket West Indies commended the entire Under-19 squad and support staff for their effort and commitment, noting that the performances demonstrated the strong pipeline of emerging talent across the region.