By Samuel Peters
Jewel Andrew smashed a classy half-century in vain as West Indies Under-19 lost the ODI Series 2-1 to Sri Lanka. The right-handed batsman made 80 from 64 balls hitting eight fours and four sixes after being rested the previous game.
The youngster came to the crease with the score at 124 for four in the 18th over with the platform already set by the top order. Unfortunately, the middle and lower order did not offer much support as the Windies fell short by 51 runs with more than nine overs to spare.
Andrew is one of two wicketkeeper batsmen selected in the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under 19s squad currently on a tour of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka batted earlier posting 304 for eight with Pulindu Perera stroking a hefty 155 from 140 balls. Nathan Edward of St. Maarten collected three for 66 in his first game of the tour and got adequate support from Deshawn James (2-70) and Tarrique Edward (2-41).
In reply, West Indies made 253 all out with Andrew top-scoring with 80, Adrian Weir 52, and Joshua Dorne 34. Vishwa Lahiru collected three for 48 while Sineth Jayawardene and Vihas Thewmika both collected two for 29. The Windies lost the series to Sri Lanka 2-1.
The tour features three 50-over matches and two four-day matches against the Sri Lanka Under-19 team at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The tour is part of the team’s preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup which will also be played in Sri Lanka.
