Barbados claimed the West Indies Under-15 championship title following a commanding performance led by Jahidi Hinds, who guided his team to a resounding 192-run victory over the Windward Islands.
Hinds showcased exceptional form, accumulating the top score of 84 runs from 105 balls, including five fours and three sixes. He was ably supported by fellow opener and Barbados captain Damarko Wiggins, who contributed 62 runs from 69 balls, and left-hander Justin Parris, who made 58 runs from 61 balls.
Despite a destructive spell from Windward Islands captain Earsinho Fontaine, who claimed five wickets for 18 runs, Barbados posted a formidable total of 297 all out in 49.2 overs after choosing to bat.
Windward Islands struggled to build momentum
In response, the Windward Islands struggled to build momentum, with Jorden Charles being the only batsman to reach 20, scoring 32 runs before the team was dismissed for 105 runs in 26.2 overs.
Barbadian bowler Javed Worrell spearheaded the bowling attack, taking three wickets for 17 runs from five overs, while Kelani Clarke and Jahidi Hinds claimed two wickets each, contributing to the Windward Islands’ downfall.
Barbados secured their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament, finishing atop the six-team table with 22 points, narrowly edging out second-placed Guyana by 1.2 points.
Meticulous planning and hard work
Roddy Estwick, coach of the Barbados team, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, attributing their success to meticulous planning and hard work. Estwick highlighted the tactical decision to position Wiggins as the opening batsman, a move that significantly contributed to their triumph.
Meanwhile, Guyana secured second place with a convincing 147-run win against hosts Leeward Islands, led by a stellar performance from Parmeshwar Ram.
Trinidad & Tobago, the defending champions, clinched third place with an eight-wicket victory over Jamaica, propelled by Aarion Mohammed’s outstanding bowling performance.
Despite Demario Hall’s resilient half-century for Jamaica, they finished at the bottom of the table, rounding up the West Indies Under-15 championship standings.
