TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Guyana emerged as champions of the CWI Rising Star Under-19 Women’s T20 Championship with a 23-run victory by the DLS method over the Leeward Islands in the final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Saturday.
After winning the toss, the Leeward Islands struggled with the bat, being bowled out for a modest 68 in 19.4 overs. Captain Jahzara Claxton was the lone bright spot, scoring 25, as Guyana’s Trisha Hardat delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, taking 4-10 in her four overs. Danellie Manns provided excellent support, claiming 2-14 from her four overs.
Guyana began their chase confidently, reaching 63-5 in the 12th over before rain interrupted play. At the time of the delay, Guyana was 23 runs ahead of the DLS par score, securing the title. Naomi Barkoye led the charge with 24 runs, while Shonette Belgrave contributed 21. The Leewards’ Amara Richards and Sainvani Kambalapalli took two wickets each in a valiant effort.
Third-place playoff
In the third-place playoff at Diego Martin Sports Complex, Trinidad & Tobago, the 2023 champions, defeated the Windward Islands by five wickets. After winning the toss and electing to field, T&T restricted the Windwards to 67-7 in their 20 overs.
Nesha Alexander (18), captain Zaida James (11), and Denella Creese (10) were the only batters to reach double figures. Kenika Cassar bowled exceptionally well, taking 2-5 from her four overs, while Kirah Manpaul supported with 2-8 from her one over. T&T chased down the target in 17 overs, finishing on 68-5, with Brianna Harricharan scoring 17 and Katrina Ruben adding 12. Amiah Gilbert took 2-18 for the Windwards.
In the fifth-place playoff at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, Jamaica secured a seven-wicket victory over Barbados. Batting first, Barbados was bowled out for 63 in 19.1 overs. Naijanni Cumberbatch top-scored with 20 runs. For Jamaica, Moniqueca Reid took 3-20 from her four overs, and Sashane Ricketts claimed 2-1 from 1.1 overs. Chrishana McKenzie led Jamaica’s successful chase with an unbeaten 21, supported by Jaunel Deers’ 17, as they reached 64-3 in 19.3 overs.
