Momentum in youth cricket is rarely declared. It is accumulated. And across their warm-up programme, the West Indies Under-19s are doing just that, layering performance upon performance as they move toward the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Their second warm-up outing, a commanding all-round display against Japan Under-19, offered another clear data point: this is a side finding rhythm at precisely the right moment.

Centuries with Contrast, Control with Intent

The batting numbers alone tell a compelling story. Posting 346 for 6 from 50 overs, the West Indies combined patience with power, resisting the temptation to rush while retaining the ability to accelerate decisively.

At the heart of the innings was Tanez Francis, whose unbeaten 122 from 148 balls anchored the effort with calm authority. His innings was one of placement and judgement rather than brute force, punctuated by six fours and three sixes, and underpinned by intelligent strike rotation that allowed others to play around him.

Where Francis provided structure, Shamar Apple supplied impact. His 124 off just 65 balls, driven by 10 fours and eight sixes, transformed momentum into dominance. The shift in tempo was immediate and unmistakable, turning a strong platform into an imposing total and placing the contest firmly beyond Japan’s reach.

Supporting contributions added further ballast. Jewel Andrew’s 31 and captain Joshua Dorne’s 24 ensured continuity through the middle overs, reinforcing the sense of a batting unit comfortable with both roles and responsibility.

Batting highlights
Tanez Francis – 122* (148 balls, 6×4, 3×6)
Shamar Apple – 124 (65 balls, 10×4, 8×6)
Jewel Andrew – 31
Joshua Dorne – 24

Bowling: Ruthless Without Reliance

If the batting set the tone, the bowling applied the seal.

Defending a large total can sometimes dilute intensity. It did not here. Japan were dismissed for 98, never able to construct a meaningful partnership as the West Indies attack operated with control and clarity.

The decisive spell belonged to R’Jai Gittens, whose four wickets dismantled the middle order and removed Japan’s captain, extinguishing any hopes of resistance. His success was not isolated. Vitel Lawes followed with three wickets, while Aadian Racha, Micah McKenzie, and Matthew Miller each struck in support, reflecting a bowling unit built on contribution rather than dependence.

Only Taylor Waugh (32) and Chihaya Sekine (28) reached double figures of note, but both were ultimately absorbed into a steady procession of wickets.

Bowling highlights
R’Jai Gittens – 4 wickets
Vitel Lawes – 3 wickets
Aadian Racha – 1 wicket
Micah McKenzie – 1 wicket
Matthew Miller – 1 wicket

Fielding Completes the Picture

The final layer was efficiency in the field. Jewel Andrew’s involvement in four catches anchored a sharp, alert performance, complemented by safe hands from Joshua Dorne and Isra-el Morton. It was the type of fielding display that does not demand headlines but quietly sustains pressure and shortens contests.

Reading the Signs

Warm-up matches are rehearsals, not verdicts. Yet they do reveal habits, and the West Indies Under-19s are showing encouraging ones: measured batting foundations, controlled acceleration, shared bowling responsibility, and collective sharpness in the field.

With the tournament opener against Tanzania on January 15 in Namibia now in view, the numbers suggest a team approaching readiness rather than chasing it.

The real examination awaits. For now, the indicators are strong.

Rallying with the Rising Stars!