TAURANGA, New Zealand, CMC – West Indies used imposing performances from pacer Nelson Bolan and batsman Shane Dowrich to outgun Northern Districts A by two wickets yesterday in an unofficial ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup warm-up match.
Unchallenged by the target they were set after ripping out Northern Districts A for a flimsy 123 in 36.4 overs, West Indies – after an agreement between the two captains – decided on a self-prescribed target of 215 off 50 overs and achieved victory with 14 balls to spare.
Bolstered by a fine unbeaten half-century from Dowrich, Windies U19s finished on 220 for eight off 47.4 overs.
Wicket-keeper/batsman Dowrich showed good form in the huge morale boosting win over a team with six regular first-class players.
Barbadian Dowrich slammed 71 not out from 55 balls chasing the informal, more demanding target and achieved it handsomely.
Dowrich looked at ease while at the crease and this is good news for the West Indies team as they head into the U19 CWC next week.
He received good support from captain Andre Creary, who belted a hard-hitting 38 and Evin Lewis (36).
Earlier, Nevisian fast bowler Bolan was at the top of his game in claiming four for 30 and left arm spinner Jomel Warrican chipped in with two for 26, as the hosts — choosing the bat first – struggled badly in front of a good crowd at Bay Oval.
Windies U19 manager Omar Khan was pleased with his team’s first practice match on the trip
“I thought that the guys did very well, given the fact that this is their first game on tour. The opposition was not that bad because included in the Northern Districts ‘A’ team were six regular first team players,” Khan said.
The Caribbean side’s second warm-up match against the same team takes place today.
“There are a number of areas in which the coach would like the players to improve and this was noted and will be dealt with at practice,” Khan added.
More than half of the teams for the 16-team tournament have already arrived for the ICC U19 World Cup beginning on January 15.
West Indies will start against Pakistan before facing Bangladesh on January 17 and Papua New Guinea two days later in their remaining Group D matches.
The two top teams from each of the four groups will move on to the Championship quarter-final phase and the bottom two will play in the Plate event.
West Indies were Plate winners at the last tournament in 2008.
