CRICKET-LEAD Andrew and Weir were overshadowed by Perera’s series-winning hundred

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, CMC – Half-centuries from Jewel Andrew and Adrian Weir failed to top a superb hundred from opener Pulindu Perera, and West Indies Under-19s were beaten by 52 runs in the series-deciding third ODI against hosts Sri Lanka Under-19s on Friday.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Andrew, batting at six, hit the top score of 80, and Weir, opening the batting, supported with 52. The Caribbean side was bowled out for 253 in 40.3 overs, replying to the Sri Lankans’ 304 for eight off 50 overs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

The result meant that the hosts won the three-match series 2-1 after Sri Lanka took the first Youth ODI by six wickets at the same venue, where West Indies won the second Youth ODI by 195 runs.

Perera hit 17 fours and four sixes in 155 from 140 balls to be the rock upon which the hosts’ built their total after they decided to bat.

No other Sri Lanka batter matched his authority or durability, and he dominated an eighth-wicket stand of 80 with Vihas Thewmika, not out on 28, before falling in the 47th over with the 300-run mark in sight.

Nathan Edward was the most successful West Indies Under-19 bowler, taking three for 66 from nine overs, while Deshawn James and Tarrique Edward supported with two wickets apiece.

West Indies Under-19s scored quickly but lost their captain, Stephen Pascal, for five in the third over before Weir and Joshua Dorne came together to put on 72 for the second wicket to keep the momentum going.

Weir fell in the 12th over, and Dorne made 34 before he departed three balls later to precipitate a period of instability in which the visitors lost four wickets for 41 in the span of 49 balls.

Andrew anchored two tidy stands of 42 with Nathan Sealy and 45 with Tarrique Edward before they, too.

Sealy scored 20, and Edward added seven, and his dismissal triggered a slump in which West Indies lost their last four wickets for 33 in the space of 26 balls.

The two teams will now contest two Youth Tests, with the first starting on Monday at the same venue, where they will play the second match starting September 12.