West Indies U-19 Women edge USA in thriller to level series 1-1

West Indies Under-19 Women levelled the five-match series against USA Women Under-19s after they won the second T20 by a narrow margin at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill.

An unbeaten 40 not out (55 balls; 2x4s) from Shalini Samaroo powered West Indies Under-19 Women to a thrilling one-run victory in the second of five T20I on Tuesday.

Samaroo’s 40 not out was bolstered by a brisk 20 (12 balls; 3x4s) from Asabi Callender to take the visitors to 100-4 off their 20 overs. Once again Bhumika Bhadriraju was one of the USA’s top bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-0-19-2 followed by Suhani Thadani with 4-0-10-1.

In their reply, USA fell short as the West Indies bowlers did a great job to level the five-match series 1-1. Geetika Kodali was once again the USA’s top scorer, striking a 21-ball 24 not out, which included two fours, as her team had the uphill run chase due to the frequent loss of wickets in the top order.

Snigdha Paul was the next best scorer with 13 (15 balls; 2x4s). KD Mitchell continued her destructive right-arm medium pace, finishing with figures of 4-1-8-3. Samaroo, Callender and Zaida James picked up a wicket each.

West Indies Under-19 Women’s Head Coach Steve Liburd said: “Two games down, I think the performance of the team so far has been good based on focus areas we discussed heading into the series. First game there was a bit of nerves around and then in the second game the girls really implemented what we spoke about. It’s not the finished article as yet but after two games, I think we’re heading in the right direction in this five-match series.”

The teams will meet again on Thursday at the Broward County Stadium. (CWI)