COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC):
OPENER WILLIAM Perkins lashed a magnificent 100 and shared in two successive century partnerships to guide the West Indies Under-19s to a comfortable 87-run victory over the United States in their opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup yesterday.
Playing at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, the right-handed Perkins slammed 133 from 150 balls, with 16 fours as the West Indies piled up 302 for seven in their 50 overs.
In response, the U.S. struggled to 215 all out in 45.4 overs, despite an undisciplined performance from their bowlers who sent down 39 wides.
Batting first after winning the toss, West Indies found themselves in early trouble when Richard Ramdeen (0) and captain Leon Johnson (4) fell with only eight runs on the board.
But Perkins and Jason Mo-hammed combined to stage a recovery, adding 124 in 24 overs for the third wicket that put the West Indies in command of the match.
Mohammed hit 45 from 70 balls with eight fours before he fell with the West Indies at 132 for three.
Gajanand Singh, whose 65 came from a mere 52 balls with six fours and three sixes, joined Perkins in another productive stand for the fourth wicket that yielded 144 in 19.2 overs.
THE DRIVER'S SEAT
When the partnership was broken in the 46th over, the West Indies were in the driver's seat and they managed to muster 39 runs in the remaining overs with Kieron Pollard hitting 11 from six balls and Shamar Brooks, 15 from nine balls.
Left-arm slow bowler Mrunal Patel was the best bowler with two for 22, while fast bowler Dominic Audain snared two for 39.
In their reply, the U.S. were in trouble from early as fast bowler Kemar Roach plucked out openers Ravi Timbawala (0) and Kumar Ramsabad (2) cheaply.
But Akeem Dodson hit 43 from 76 balls and captain Hemant Punoo top-scored with 65 from 52 balls, including 10 fours, to breathe life into the U.S. innings.
