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Controversy in Under-19 World Cup between Windies and South Africa

Jiveshan Pillay given out obstructing field; New Zealand thrash Kenya as Jakob Bhula smears tournament record 180 from 144 balls

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South Africa were the victims of a controversial umpiring decision during their Under-19 Cricket World Cup win over West Indies.

Windies created controversy for the second Under-19 World Cup running after South Africa opener Jiveshan Pillay was out obstructing the field.

Windies wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart appealed to have Pillay dismissed after the batsman picked up the ball from a stationary position close to off-stump.

Third umpire Ranmore Martinesz then gave Pillay out for 47 to leave South Africa on 77-3 after watching numerous replays in the Group A fixture at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. WINDIES v SA SCORECARD

Pillay's exit did not disrupt South Africa too much as they went on to score 282-8 with Wandile Makwetu finishing unbeaten on 99 before bowling Windies out for 206 - the result ensured South Africa progressed to the quarter-finals and eliminated 2016 champions Windies.

Law 37.4, which deals with 'returning the ball to a fielder', states: "Either batsman is out obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of his/her person to return the ball to any fielder."

Jiveshan Pillay
Image: Pillay and the Windies fielders have a heated chat at Bay Oval

Windies' actions were heavily debated in the previous Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, when their bowler Keemo Paul mankaded Zimbabwe's Richard Ngarava - Paul breaking the stumps at the non-striker's end with Ngarava a few steps out of his crease.

South Africa coach Laurence Mahatlane was dignified when asked about Wednesday's dismissal, saying: "Our take is very simple: we play to the laws of the game and it's part of the laws. It's happened and hopefully we'll learn from it."

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However, former Windies seamer Ian Bishop, who was commentating on the game, told Fox Sports: "This is an unfortunate issue. The batsman isn't trying to gain an advantage. He is not trying to be unfair.

"The umpires have done what they need to do but the ball has stopped. It's not threatening the stumps. I don't necessarily feel as if that's a good law.

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"I would have to have a deeper look at myself if I was the fielding captain. Can I use some discretion here for the sake of the game and whatever the spirit of the game means?"

Elsewhere, Jakob Bhula hammered 180 from 144 balls, the highest individual score at the Under-19 World Cup, as New Zealand scored 436-4 in a 243-run thrashing of Kenya at Hagley Oval to join South Africa in the quarter-finals - the win was New Zealand's second in as many games following their opening victory over Windies.

Bhula, Rachin Ravindra (117 off 101) and Finn Allen (90 off 40) pumped 14 sixes between them as the Black Caps reached 401-1 in the 47th over.

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Bhula, Allen and Kaylum Boshier (0) then fell without another run scored but Dale Phillips then smashed an unbeaten 26 from 12 balls, before Kenya could muster only 193-4 in reply. NZ v KENYA SCORECARD

Australia, meanwhile, defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in Lincoln in Group B to bounce back from a loss to India on Sunday, while Afghanistan recorded back-to-back wins in Group D with a 32-run, DLS triumph over Sri Lanka in Whangarei. ZIM v AUS SCORECARD | SL v AFG SCORECARD

Watch England's next game in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, against Bangladesh, live from 9.25pm on Wednesday on Sky Sports Cricket (channel 404), Sky Sports Main Event (channel 401) and Sky Sports Mix (channel 121).

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