Wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich showed good form in the West Indies Under-19s warm-up match in New Zealand against Northern Districts on Tuesday night, to give the West Indies a morale boosting victory over a team with six regular First Class players. After the West Indies bowled out Northern Districts 'A' for just 123, Dowrich slammed an unbeaten 71, as the West Indies set a revised target of 215 off 50 overs, got home by two wickets at 220 for eight in 47.4 overs.
Dowrich looked at ease while at the crease and this is good news for the West Indies team as they head into the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup next week. He received good support from Trinidadian Evin Lewis who scored 36 and skipper Andre Creary who got a hard hitting 38. Earlier, Nevis fast bowler Nelson Bolan was at the top of his game in claiming 4/30 and left arm spinner Jomel Warrican chipped in with 2/26, as the hosts choosing the bat first, were skittled before a good crowd at Bay Oval.
Manager of the team Omar Khan was pleased with the start : "I thought the guys did well, given the fact that this is their first game on tour. The opposition was not bad because six regular first team players were included in the Northern Districts 'A' team.
"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 today at practice." The second warm-up match against the same team takes place today at the Bay Oval, starting at 5.30 pm.
Scores:
Northern Districts 'A' 123 all out (36.4 ovs) (Nelson Bolan 4/30, Jomel Warrican 2/26) vs West Indies Under-19 220/8 (47.4 ovs)(Shane Dowrich 71no, Andre Creary 38, Evin Lewis 36).
