By Chalien Dantes 

Cricket West Indies has hailed young Jamaican spinner Vitel Lawes after his selection to the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup Team of the Tournament.

The 18-year-old left-arm wrist spinner turned heads throughout the competition with his control, courage and ability to deliver when it mattered most. His performances did not go unnoticed, earning him a place among the tournament’s top performers as chosen by a panel of ICC experts and commentators.

Lawes led the West Indies bowling effort, finishing as the team’s top wicket taker with 10 wickets. Time after time, he found ways to break partnerships and apply pressure, using sharp turns and clever variations to keep batters guessing. He also sent down 150 dot balls,  which is the most by any player in the tournament.

He made an early statement against Tanzania with figures of 3 for 23, helping to limit the opposition and set up a comfortable run chase. In the next match against Afghanistan, he again collected three wickets, this time conceding 48 runs in a tough outing for his side.

Lawes claimed 1 for 60 against South Africa in the final group match and followed up with 2 for 41 against Ireland in the Super 6 stage, removing dangerous batters just as partnerships began to build. He closed out his campaign with 1 for 55 against Australia.