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The West Indies Under-19s delivered a nail-biting show to defeat Sri Lanka Under-19s by three wickets in the 6th Youth ODI to secure the series win at North Sound, chasing down a challenging target of 288 with just eight balls to spare. Captain Dorne led the fight with a knock of 95 to help his side to their fourth win of the series.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s batting unit posted 287 for six in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by two standout performances that kept the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate of 5.74 runs per over.
Viran Chamuditha was the star of the Sri Lankan innings, crafting a magnificent 88 off 85 balls with captain Vimath Dinsara remaining unbeaten on 58 from 57 balls, playing the perfect supporting role. Dimantha Mahavithana contributed a valuable 49 at the top of the order to help Sri Lanka reach their final total.
Bowling for West Indies, Dorne was the pick of the bowlers with figures of two for 36 from his 10 overs, maintaining an economical rate of 3.60 runs per over. Zachary Carter, Shaquan Belle, Jakeem Pollard, and Brendan Boodoo each claimed a wicket apiece.
Chasing 288, the home side got off to a sketchy start when wicket-keeper Micah Greenidge was dismissed for a duck in just the third ball of the innings. However, what followed was a masterclass in chase construction.
The hero of the chase was Skipper Dorne, who led from the front with a brilliant 95 from 89 balls. Dorne’s innings was a perfect blend of aggression and responsibility, featuring 13 boundaries and three sixes. His knock kept the hosts in the hunt throughout the middle overs before he fell agonizingly short of a deserved century, dismissed in the 47th over with 18 runs still needed.
Tyriek Bryan provided excellent support at the top of the order, contributing 52 from 90 balls with 11 fours. His partnership with Dorne steadied the ship after the early loss and kept the required run rate manageable.
Jonathan van Lange played a crucial middle-order role, smashing 50 from just 43 balls in an innings that included six fours and three sixes. His aggressive approach at a strike rate of 116.27 ensured the West Indies maintained pressure on the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
When the chase looked precarious at 271 for seven with less than three overs remaining, the exciting Belle held his nerve. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 21 from 13 balls, including two fours and two sixes, to guide his team home with Afraz Budhoo providing support at the other end.
The visitors’ bowling attack fought valiantly in defense of their total. Vigneshwaran Akash was the standout performer with figures of three for 41 while Sethmika Seneviratne claimed two for 40 Rasith Nimsara and Chamika Heenatigala picked up a wicket each, but ultimately couldn’t prevent the West Indies from reaching their target.
The teams will meet for their final encounter on Monday at the same venue with the visitors looking to bounce back to end the series on a high note.
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