PORT-OF-SPAIN ((CMC):

Opener Kraigg Braith-waite missed out on another century but West Indies still overpowered Ireland by 103 runs yesterday to remain on course for the semi-finals of the CLICO International Under-15 Championship league.

The right-hander, who opened the tournament with a brilliant century against Malaysia a week ago, scored 98 as the hosts tallied 220 for five off their 50 overs, after winning the toss and batting.

In response, Ireland had no answer to the Windies attack and crumbled meekly for 117 off 45.4 overs.

It was the second win on the trot by the well-disciplined regional team and they are almost sure to reach the penul-timate stage of the tournament scheduled for later this week in Grenada.

Spectacular rebound

Following his failure on Saturday against Bangladesh, Brathwaite rebounded spec-tacularly to once again lead the West Indies batting charge.

He blazed his way to a brilliant 98 made from 144 balls with nine fours, which formed the foundation of the Windies innings.

Despite the early loss of opening batsman John Campbell (4), Brathwaite figured in useful partnerships that kept the hosts' innings alive.

He added 67 for the second wicket with Ramon Senior (26) and 75 for the third wicket with Sunil Ambris (40).

Pint-sized left-arm spinner Derone Davis then sent down 10 probing overs which yielded 29 runs, as he wrecked the Irish innings with four wickets. He was supported by Amir Khan who bagged three for 17 and Ramon Senior with two for 20.

West Indies will play Kenya tomorrow at the Oval.

Meanwhile, Pakistan sent another stern warning to their opponents yesterday when they annihilated Americas Develop-ment XI by 293 runs in the CLICO International Under-15 Championship league match in Guyana.

Batting first after winning the toss at Bourda, Pakistan amassed a mammoth 416 for six off their 50 overs and then humbled the Americas XI for 123 off 45 overs.

The massive victory follows Pakistan's bruising of the Netherlands on Saturday when they won handsomely by 230 runs.