Zaida James took the spotlight again for the West Indies, as they made it consecutive wins in Group C of the ICC Under19 Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Indonesia by 77 runs at the North West University Oval on Tuesday afternoon.
James, who made a half-century and took wickets against Ireland, helped herself to a classy 55 from just 37 balls in the second group outing for the Windies. She hit a pair of sixes and added eight boundaries to her tally, as she and Shunelle Sawh (31 from 36 balls) added 95 for the first wicket.
The Windies had won the toss and elected to bat first, and each of the top-order got valuable time at the wicket. Naijanni Cumberbatch returned unbeaten for 19 at a run a ball, while Djenaba Joseph chipped in with 25 from only 16 balls.
The real impetus for the West Indian total was provided by Trishan Holder, who hammered 35 not out from only 14 deliveries. Three sixes and a pair of boundaries saw her propel her side beyond the reach of Indonesia, closing their innings on 176 for three.
Chasing 177 to win was always going to be a massive ask for an Indonesian team, but they gave another solid account of themselves. Kadek Kurniartini made 15 before being bowled by a slower Ashmini Munisar off-spinner.
With the bat, Gusti Ayu Ulansari (10) and Ni Luh Ratnma Dewi (14) were the only others to get to double figures, but the West Indies would have lamented their ill-discipline, as they coughed up 23 extras, 19 of which were wides, and that is something they will have to address before they move to the next stage of the tournament.
Joseph was the pick of the bowlers, adding three for 14 in four overs to her efforts with the bat earlier. James, Shalini Samaroo and Munisar took a wicket apiece, and good fielding saw to three run-outs in the Indonesian chase.
While there are bigger challenges that lie ahead for the West Indies, Indonesia will now look to their final game against Ireland as a chance to leave South African shores with another memory to savour, in what has already been an incredible journey to this point.
Indonesia fell one run short of reaching 100, as West Indies won by 77 runs, with the final Indonesian wicket still intact. (ICC)
