ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — A pair of mature half-centuries from captain Joshua Dorne and teammate Jonathan van Lange powered the West Indies Under-19s to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over England yesterday, giving the hosts the early advantage in the Youth One-Day International series.
Chasing 242 at the National Cricket Stadium, the young West Indies side reached 246 for six with four balls to spare, anchored by Dorne’s authoritative 90 and van Lange’s disciplined 52.
Early trouble, then steadying hands
The pursuit began shakily. England captain Farhan Ahmed struck twice with the new ball, removing Tyriek Bryan for 18 and Zachary Carter for 10, while pacer Seb Morgan uprooted Earsinho Fontaine to leave the home side reeling at 49 for three.
Dorne and Kunal Tilokani briefly steadied the innings with a 56-run, fourth-wicket partnership. Tilokani’s composed 20 ended when Jack Nelson, England’s most incisive bowler on the day, claimed the first of his three wickets.
A 117-run stand that changed everything
From that point, Dorne and van Lange seized control. Their authoritative 117-run stand not only wrested back momentum but carried the hosts deep into winning territory. Van Lange’s 50-ball half-century featured four crisp boundaries and a towering six, while Dorne’s 119-ball effort blended patience with power, highlighted by six fours and a six.
But England were not finished. Nelson returned late to dismiss van Lange and then, two balls later, bowl Dorne, leaving the West Indies wobbling at 223 for six in the 47th over.
Belle’s burst seals the result
With the contest tightening, Shaquan Belle delivered the decisive punch. His unbeaten 19 off just nine deliveries turned the final overs firmly in the hosts’ favor, ensuring they crossed the finish line with seconds to spare.
Nelson led England’s attack with 3-50, while Ahmed contributed 2-41.
Windies bowlers apply the early squeeze
Earlier in the day, the West Indies had stitched together a steady, disciplined bowling performance after England elected to bat. The visitors began brightly, as openers Ben Dawkins and Issac Mohammed raced to 50 inside nine overs. But once the partnership broke, wickets fell in clusters: Mohammed for 22, Dawkins for 19, and Ben Mayes for six, reducing England to 58 for three.
A counter-attacking 59 from Joe Moores, packed with five fours and four sixes, combined with Caleb Falconer’s 44 in an 81-run stand, revived the innings. However, once both were removed, England faltered again. Cameos from Nelson (31 off 27) and Ralphie Albert (23) nudged the total to 242 before they were dismissed with 22 balls left unused.
Belle (2-26), Jakeem Pollard (2-27), Carter (2-50), and Tilokani (2-58) each claimed two wickets in a well-rounded bowling effort.
