ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — England’s Under-19s delivered a dominant response on Friday, overwhelming the West Indies by 130 runs in the third Youth One-Day International at the National Cricket Stadium.
The emphatic result breathed new life into the seven-match series, which the hosts still lead 2–1.
Steady, collective batting pushes England to 249
Sent in to bat, the Young Lions pieced together a disciplined and well-distributed innings, reaching 249 for nine from their 50 overs. They negotiated the opening exchanges confidently, moving to 43 without alarm inside 11 overs before medium pacer Matthew Miller removed Isaac Mohammed for 18.
Opener Ben Dawkins continued to anchor the innings with a purposeful 41, but Jamaican left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes seized control soon after. His probing spell accounted for Dawkins and two others, briefly halting England’s momentum.
Still, the visitors rebuilt with maturity rather than panic. Caleb Falconer compiled a measured top score of 43, Ralphie Albert added a crisp 37, and Ben Mayes contributed 36, ensuring the innings retained depth and direction. Lawes finished with outstanding figures of four for 30, supported by Jakeem Pollard’s two wickets.
England’s spin squeeze cripples the chase
The West Indies reply never threatened the target. From the outset, England’s spin triumvirate tightened the scoring, forced mistakes, and dismantled the batting line-up with ruthless efficiency. The top order crumbled to 47 for five, leaving recovery hopes faint at best.
Farhan Ahmed led the charge with 3-22, while Albert (3-24) and Jack Nelson (3-26) shared the remaining wickets, maintaining relentless pressure throughout.
Only two batters offered resistance, Miller, who fought to an unbeaten 37, and opener Tanez Francis with 34. Their efforts, however, could not prevent the innings from folding for 119 in just 30.3 overs.
Series momentum shifts heading into Monday
While the West Indies retain the advantage, England’s commanding win has tightened the narrative and injected renewed urgency into the contest. Both squads remain in Grenada, where they return to the field on Monday for the pivotal fourth ODI.
