PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The USA Under-19 Women’s cricket team capped off a rewarding Caribbean tour with a spirited 15-run victory over the West Indies Under-19s in the sixth and final T20 International on Sunday.
The win, carved out at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, not only clinched the match but also sealed the series 3-1, following a strong comeback after losing the opener and seeing two matches washed out by rain.
USA falters early but recovers through gritty partnership
After being sent in to bat, the USA found themselves on shaky ground, slumping to 18 for three within five overs. West Indies seamer Theanny Herbert-Mayers struck twice in quick succession, rattling the visitors’ top order and giving the home side early momentum.
But a calm and composed 52-run, fourth-wicket partnership between Nikhar Doshi (23) and Hashini Karthikeyan (21) stabilized the innings. The duo displayed patience and resilience, fending off sharp bowling to steer the USA toward respectability.
Their stand ended dramatically in the 15th over when Doshi was dismissed, triggering a late-innings collapse. The USA lost their final seven wickets for just 18 runs, bundled out for 88 in 19.5 overs. Extras proved crucial—25 gifted runs from the West Indies would come back to haunt them.
Among the standout bowlers, Aaliyah Weekes claimed 3 for 14, while Herbert-Mayers (2-18) and Danellie Manns (2-28) kept the visitors under pressure.
Windies collapse undermines bright start
Chasing 89 to square the series, the West Indies began with promise, reaching 30 for one by the seventh over. But what followed was a dramatic and inexplicable collapse. The hosts lost four wickets for eight runs, plunging to 38 for five, a position from which they never recovered.
USA’s bowlers turned the screws with discipline and sharp variation. Taranum Chopra led the charge with a brilliant spell of 3 for 8, backed by Chetna Pagydyala (2 for 8) and Sainavi Kambalapalli (2 for 11), who closed out the innings with authority. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 73, falling 15 runs short on the final ball of the match.
USA shows grit and growth on Caribbean soil
The victory was symbolic of the USA’s steady progress and mental resilience throughout the series. After losing the first match, they bounced back with unwavering focus, winning three of the remaining four games — with two lost to weather — to seal the series convincingly.
For the West Indies, the defeat will sting. Moments of brilliance were scattered across the series, but inconsistencies with both bat and ball—especially in pressure situations—proved costly.
