The West Indies under 19’s despite a splendid century opening partnership of 123 between Keagan Simmons and Kimani Melius went crashing to an 8 wicket loss to host New Zealand in their opening game at the ICC Under 19 World Cup at Mount Maunganui.

Simmons who batted through the innings, was left unbeaten on 92 as the defending champions were restricted to 233 for 8 from their 50 overs.

Simmons’ knock included 7 fours and one six, while Melius smashed an aggressive 78 from 85 balls cracking 8 fours and 4 sixes.

Spinner Rachin Ravindra (3-30) and pacer Mathew Fisher (3-61) were the top New Zealand bowlers.

The tournament hosts in reply raced to victory at 234 for 2 wickets in 39.3 overs.

They were led by Finn Allen who hit a quick-fire 115 not out from 100 balls and Jakob Bhula who got 83 at the top of the order.

New Zealand with the result moved to the early lead in Group A on 2 points.

The young Windies will be back in action on Wednesday against South Africa.

In other opening day matches Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh all registered wins.

Afghanistan (194/5) beat Pakistan (188) by 5 wickets. Zimbabwe (98/0) ran out 10 wickets winners over Papua New Guinea who earlier made 95 all out while Bangladesh (190/4) thrashed Namibia (103/6) by 87 runs.