England Lions lost a thrilling opener to their One-Day series against West Indies A in Coolidge, Antigua, as they fell agonisingly short in their run chase, to lose the first game in the three match series by five runs.
Requiring six to win off the final three balls of the game, Sam Hain, who had hit a magnificent 144, was caught well on the boundary as the home side finally broke an 102-run final wicket partnership that had taken the tourists to the brink of a remarkable victory.
Batting first West Indies A posted a commanding total of 272, bowled out in 49.5 overs, before the Lions' reply got underway with Middlesex's Nick Gubbins filling one of the opening berths alongside Lancashire's Alex Davies.
Gubbins, looking at his best, hit a cultured and fluent 54, which came off 50 balls, in an innings which included nine boundaries and one maximum, which came from a powerful pull shot to mid-wicket off Odeon Smith.
The Lions' run chase left them needing eight to win off the final over, and after both Hain and Matt Parkinson had both hit singles off the opening two deliveries, Hain launched bowler Cornwall to the deep long on boundary, where sub-fielder Reifer was waiting to bag the catch and take the victory for West Indies A.
The Lions must wait until Friday for their chance to get revenge, when they'll return to Coolidge in an attempt to level the series.
