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Australia have made a winning start to the U19 World Cup in the Caribbean, beating hosts West Indies by six wickets in the opening match of the tournament.

Australia have delivered an early statement of intent at the U19 Cricket World Cup with the three-time champions breezing past the West Indies by six wickets in their tournament opener.

Cooper Connolly's side required just 40.1 overs to bowl the Windies out for 169, before opening bat Teague Wyllie led the chase with a brilliant undefeated 86 to run down the modest target.

Wyllie's polished knock enabled Australia to reach 4-170 with five overs to spare.

Ackeem Auguste's decision to bat first backfired as Australia's seamers wreaked havoc with the new ball as opening bowlers Tom Whitney (3-20) and William Salzmann (1-19) reduced the hosts to 3-12 after 5.1 overs.

Skipper Auguste's defiant 57, bolstered by wicketkeeper Rivaldo Clarke's 37, salvaged the innings but wickets tumbled at regular intervals after Clarke's dismissal.

That was due mainly to Australian captain Connolly (3-17 off seven) and Nivethan Radhakrishnan (3-48 off 10).

Ambidextrous spinner Radhakrishnan (31) also contributed with the bat as the 1988, 2002 and 2010 champions made the perfect start to their tournament.

In the other match of the day, Sri Lanka beat Scotland by 40 runs.

Dunith Wellalage's side posted a competitive first innings total of 218 before skittling the Scots for just 178.

The Sri Lankans will now meet Australia on Monday.

THE GROUPS:

Group A - Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab Emirates

Group B - India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda

Group C - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe

Group D - Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies