BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – USA-1 emphatically announced their championship ambitions in the 2025 Rising Stars Men’s 50-over Championship on Tuesday, delivering a crushing 219-run defeat to defending champions Barbados in a clash of previously unbeaten teams.
What was billed as a potential thriller turned into a demolition, with the Americans flexing their dominance in every department. This comprehensive victory at St Mary’s Park propelled USA-1 to the brink of their maiden Rising Stars title and cemented their place as the tournament’s undisputed frontrunners.
Batting brilliance: Srivastava and Garg lay the foundation
In imperious form, Utkarsh Srivastava played a masterclass innings, crafting a scintillating 124 off 124 balls, peppered with 11 fours and 3 sixes. He found an able partner in Sahil Garg, who contributed a polished 85 from 88 balls, striking seven boundaries and a six.
Together, they forged a commanding 151-run stand for the second wicket, putting USA firmly in control after the early loss of Shiv Shani. When Garg fell at 183 for two in the 30th over, Srivastava kept the scoreboard ticking with a 51-run partnership alongside Adnit Jhamb (14).
Their partnership powered USA-1 to a formidable 305 for 8 from their allotted 50 overs, a total that ultimately proved insurmountable. Despite Shaquan Belle’s spirited five-wicket haul (5-53) and Zachary Carter’s 2-54, the Barbadian attack was largely outplayed.
Ruthless bowling: Prasad and Srivastava tear through Barbados
With the batters having set the stage, it was time for USA-1’s bowlers to shine—and Sabrish Prasad stole the spotlight. The left-arm spinner wreaked havoc with a phenomenal 5-14, slicing through Barbados’s middle order with surgical precision.
Barbados crumbled under the pressure. Their key batters, including Zachary Carter (1) and captain Joshua Dorne (9), fell early, setting the tone for a catastrophic collapse. Prasad dismissed Kevion Newton (2), Gadson Bowens (6), and Raphael Lovell, turning 56 for two into 87 for seven.
Srivastava capped off a spectacular all-round performance by chipping in with 2-12, as Barbados were bundled out for a dismal 89 in just 25.5 overs.
Windward Islands cruise as Pascal pounds T&T
At St Paul’s Sports Complex, Stephan Pascal delivered one of the innings of the tournament, slamming a fearless 113 off 121 balls that included eight fours and six towering sixes, to guide the Windward Islands to a convincing six-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago.
Pascal shared a pivotal 115-run partnership with Earsinho Fontaine (41), taking Windward Islands to 191 for four in 43.3 overs, easily overhauling T&T’s total of 188 for nine.
Despite Abdul-Raheem Toppin’s resilient 77 off 88 balls, Trinidad and Tobago were never able to recover from a disastrous start, slumping to 52 for six before rallying. Kirt Murray was instrumental in that collapse, returning outstanding figures of 4-20.
Guyana edge Leewards in nail-biter
In a tense contest at Conaree Sports Club, Guyana pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win over the Leeward Islands, chasing down 234 with five balls to spare.
Contributions came from all corners: Rampersaud Ramnauth (48) and Jonathan van Lange (47) were standouts, with vital knocks from Afraz Ali Budhoo (34) and Romeo Deonarine (23) keeping the innings on course.
Earlier, the Leewards posted 233 all out in 47.2 overs, led by De-Antre Drew (42) and Devanand Singh (41). Romario Ramdehol (3-22) and Golcharran Chulai (3-39) led the Guyanese bowling attack with clinical spells.
Jamaica overpower USA-2 in rain-adjusted encounter
At Elquemedo Willett Park, Jamaica made light work of a rain-affected chase, beating USA-2 by eight wickets via the DLS method.
After restricting USA-2 to 147 for 9 in 43 overs, thanks to Vitel Lawes (4-23) and Kev’Aundre Virgo (2-13), the Jamaican top order responded with aggression. Brian Barnes smashed an unbeaten 50, supported by Tyriek Bryan (27) and Virgo (13), as Jamaica raced to 114 for 2 in just 14.3 overs.
