Superb Johnson 100 makes WI U19s safe

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (CMC):

Jordan Johnson struck his second hundred of the series as West Indies Under-19s forced a draw with Sri Lanka Under-19s on the final day of the opening Youth ‘Test’ here yesterday.

Unbeaten overnight on 54, the left-hander carved out a splendid 149 which helped the Caribbean side post 309 all out, in response to the hosts’ 432 for eight declared at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

The knock followed up his 105 in the second Youth One-Day International just over a week ago at the same venue.

The 18-year-old Johnson faced 207 deliveries, striking 11 fours and a brace of sixes.

Batting a second time, Sri Lanka Under-19s finished on 122 for four, with Ravishan Nethsara lashing a breezy 50.

With West Indies U19s starting the day on 119 for three, still 313 runs in arrears, the visitors were still under pressure to produce a strong batting performance in order to avoid any late hiccups.

SUPERB INNINGS

However, Johnson rose to the occasion once again with a superb innings which ensured West Indies limited their first-innings deficit to 123 runs.

The Jamaican first extended his fourth-wicket stand with fellow Jamaican Steve Wedderburn (41) to 110 before putting on another 96 for the seventh wicket with Nathan Edward (36).

Wedderburn faced 104 deliveries and counted two fours and a six in a patient knock, while Edward struck four fours in an 83-ball knock.

Once Johnson was seventh out, West Indies Under-19s lost their last four wickets for 22 runs as off-spinner Vihas Thewmika claimed six for 78, while left-arm spinner Vishwa Lahiru finished with three for 61.

West Indies U19s then struck early when fast bowler Isai Thorne had captain Sineth Jayawardene caught at the wicket without scoring off the third ball of the innings with a run on the board.

Nethsara then held the innings together, posting 38 for the second wicket with opener Pulindu Perera (13) before Sharujan Shanmuganathan (26 not out) and Dinura Kalupahana (22 not out) added a further 41 in an unbroken, fifth-wicket stand.

The second ‘Test’ gets under way on September 12 at the same venue.