A strong all-round performance by the USA saw them overcome a spirited Trinidad and Tobago to win the inaugural CWI Women’s Rising Stars Under-19 Championship. The Americans played unbeaten to lift the trophy. The result was the first defeat for the home team and they finished in second position.
Playing at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, USA won the toss and asked T&T to bat first. They had a slow start and 22-2 in the eighth over. It required a stroke-filled 34 off just 27 from Djenba Joseph to lift the innings as T&T ended on 93-5 off their 20 overs.
In reply, USA easily reached the target as they made 94-3 off 16.1 overs. Vice-captain Anika Kolan played the match-winning knock of 46 off 45 balls, with four boundaries. There was an early hiccup when Samara Ramnath (2-13) took wickets with the new ball, but from 20-2, Kolan added 72 for the third wicket Lisa Ramjit (14) to see the team to victory.
USA celebrated their triumph, and captain Geetika Kodali was delighted with her team’s overall showing. She also praised the organisers for a hosting them throughout the two-week event.
“It feels so good and I’m so proud of my team and how far we’ve come. This tournament has been amazing for us to improve. The quality of the tournament was good and very well organised. I think these kinds of competitions are great to encourage girls to take up the sport and the amount of wonderful opportunities that are available for girls in cricket is amazing, and this is a sign to work harder.”
In the day’s other match, Windward Islands had a close win by four wickets with two balls to spare over Guyana to clinch third place. Asked to make 85 for victory, Windwards 89-6 off 19.4 overs. All-rounder Jannillea Glasgow guided the innings with 24 off 41 balls. Earlier, opener Realenna Grimmond top scored with 50 not out, which included eight boundaries to lift the Guyana innings. (CWI)
