Van Lange’s fifty powers West Indies to another victory

The West Indies Under-19s made it two wins in a row as they clinched another commanding victory over England Under-19s in the second match of the seven-game ODI series at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. A rain-affected contest produced an adjusted target and a tense chase, but the hosts held their nerve to win by six wickets under the DLS method.
England Under-19s, opting to bat first after winning the toss, were immediately put under pressure by disciplined West Indian bowling. The visitors slumped to 59 for 4, losing their top order cheaply. However, Caleb Falconer’s steady 42 and a captain’s knock from Farhan Ahmed, who struck an energetic 46 off 51 deliveries including three boundaries and a six, helped rebuild the innings. Their partnership lifted England to 160 for 5 in 31.4 overs before rain forced players from the field and ultimately prevented the completion of the innings.
With the weather interruption shortening the match, the West Indies were set a revised target of 190 in 31 overs. Openers Tyriek Bryan and Earshino Fontaine rose to the challenge superbly, laying a strong platform with an 84-run opening stand. Bryan contributed a controlled 31, while Fontaine looked fluent for his 39 before both fell in quick succession, giving England a glimmer of hope.
The visitors clawed their way further back when pacer Jack Nelson removed West Indies skipper Joshua Dorne for nine, leaving the hosts at a potentially tricky stage. But any English momentum was quickly snuffed out by a breath-taking innings from Jonathan van Lange.
The Guyanese power-hitter unleashed a stunning display of clean striking, hammering an unbeaten 57 off just 34 balls, featuring three fours and five towering sixes. His counter-attacking knock shifted all pressure back onto the tourists and propelled West Indies to 192 for 4 in 30.1 overs, securing victory with five balls to spare.
The win gives the West Indies a 2–0 lead in the seven-match series, reinforcing their growing confidence and momentum. England, meanwhile, will seek to regroup quickly as they look to stay competitive in the remaining fixtures. The two teams will return to the National Cricket Stadium today for the third ODI of the seven-match series.