Jamaica’s hopes of reaching the final of the West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship were dashed on Thursday following a disappointing four-wicket defeat to the Windward Islands in their final preliminary round match at the Diego Martin Sports Complex in Trinidad.
Electing to bat first, the young Jamaicans—who entered the round in third place—struggled from the outset and were bundled out for just 51 runs in 23.1 overs. Only Moniqueca Reid offered any resistance with the bat, top-scoring with 19 runs. Extras, contributing 21, were the highest score in the innings.
The Windward Islands’ Selena Ross was the standout performer with the ball, tearing through the Jamaican batting lineup to finish with extraordinary figures of 6 wickets for 4 runs.
In response, the Windwards reached their target with some resistance from the Jamaican bowlers, eventually scoring 55 for 6 in 21.5 overs. Brianna Plummer was the pick of the Jamaican bowlers, capturing 5 for 12 in a valiant but ultimately insufficient effort.
Elsewhere, Barbados secured their place in the final with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St. Augustine. The Leewards were dismissed for 67, with Barbados comfortably replying with 68 for 3.
Barbados’ Erin Deane was instrumental in the win, bagging 4 for 17, while Asabi Callender anchored the chase with an unbeaten 30.
At the National Cricket Centre, tournament hosts Trinidad and Tobago edged out Guyana by two wickets in a low-scoring thriller. Guyana were bowled out for 70, and Trinidad replied with 71 for 8. The star of the match was Brianna Harricharan, who claimed 5 for 20 to lead the Trinidadian bowling attack.
The championship final is set for Saturday, where Barbados will look to cap off their impressive campaign with the title by beating the Leeward Islands.
