Van Lange (83) leads West Indies U-19 to victory

Jonathan Van Lange’s excellent batting performance, followed by a sharp spell of pace bowling from Jakeem Pollard, helped the West Indies Rising Stars secure a hard-fought 12-run victory over Sri Lanka Under-19s in the first Youth One-Day International on Saturday.

Van Lange, the tall Guyanese batter, scored a composed 83 from 94 balls to rescue the West Indies innings from a precarious position.

After being in early trouble at 108 for 5 in the 20th over on a good surface at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Van Lange’s knock, which included six fours and a six, guided the home team to a respectable total of 256 before they were bowled out in the final over.

In response, Sri Lanka were powered by a magnificent century from Kavija Gamage, who top-scored with an outstanding 123 off just 104 balls, featuring 14 boundaries and three sixes.

However, after Gamage’s dismissal, the momentum shifted. Pollard, the Barbadian six-footer, triggered a lower-order collapse with figures of 3 for 34 from nine overs, as the visitors lost their last five wickets for just 19 runs.

The collapse was compounded by two brilliant run-outs, which sealed the match for the Rising Stars.

This seven-match series is part of both teams’ preparations for the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe in January 2026.

The West Indies squad received their caps ahead of the match from former West Indies captain, Sir Richie Richardson.

The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday at 9:30h ( Modified article from Barbados Today)

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/494277bf-8704-4684-a8ea-d8887543f4a0/2