England U-19s fight back with commanding 130-run win over WI

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC):

In a powerful display of all-round cricket, England’s Young Lions roared back to life, securing a comprehensive 130-run victory over West Indies Under-19s in the third Youth One-Day International at the National Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The resounding win injects fresh drama into the seven-match series, which the West Indies still lead 2-1.

Asked to bat first, England posted a competitive total of 249 for nine from their 50 overs, built on the back of a consistent team batting effort.

They got off to a decent start with 43 runs on the board inside 11 overs, before medium pacer Matthew Miller sent back opener, Isaac Mohammed, for 18.

Opener Ben Dawkins helped himself to a handy 41 runs, but the Jamaican left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes picked up the next three wickets, including Dawkins, to peg back the visitors.

While no single batter managed a half-century, valuable contributions helped to spruce up the England total, as Caleb Falconer top-scored with a patient 43, with Ralphie Albert weighing in with 37, and Ben Mayes 36.

Lawes was the pick of the bowlers with an impressive four for 30 while Jakeem Pollard provided able support, chipping in with two wickets.

The hosts’ run chase, however, never found its footing, as the English bowling attack, led by their spin trio, sliced through the West Indian batting lineup with clinical precision.

The innings collapsed to 47 for five early on, and the home side could only muster 119 all out in just 30.3 overs.

Farhan Ahmed 3-22, Albert 3-24, and Jack Nelson 3-26 shared the spoils, exploiting the conditions perfectly to dismantle the batting order.

Only Matthew Miller, 37 not out, and opener Tanez Francis, 34 offered any significant resistance in a disappointing batting display for the regional youth side.

The two teams will meet again at the same venue on Monday for the fourth ODI.