Trinidad and Tobago roll on as Jamaica and Barbados strike back in Rising Stars
Trinidad and Tobago are setting the pace in the CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship, and their latest performance offered little evidence that the unbeaten run is about to end.
At Liberta Sports Club on Tuesday, T&T produced a ruthless 10-wicket victory over the Windward Islands, making it three wins from three and maintaining their perfect record at the top of the standings.
The foundation was laid by an extraordinary bowling display. The Windwards were dismantled for just 52 in 19.4 overs, with Samara Ramnath doing most of the damage.
Ramnath tore through the middle order with a devastating 4-10, including a hat trick, while Jaeda Tyrell’s 16 and Kaela George’s 12 represented the only meaningful resistance as wickets tumbled around them.
The response with the bat was just as emphatic.
Ramnath completed a remarkable all-round performance with an unbeaten 27, while Amrita Ramtahal stayed not out on 18 as the pair raced to an unbroken 53-run opening partnership.
T&T needed only 6.3 overs to complete the chase, turning what could have been a competitive contest into another emphatic statement of their championship credentials.
Jamaica recover when the pressure mounts
At the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Jamaica had to work considerably harder for their victory, but ultimately produced the discipline required to claim their second consecutive win.
The Jamaicans were bowled out for 103 in 19.4 overs after their innings lost momentum in the middle stages.
Sashane Ricketts led the scoring with 22, while Shamara Hall, who retired hurt, and Zariah Blair each contributed 13. Guyana’s Danellie Manns was particularly economical, finishing with 2-11.
A modest target nevertheless became a demanding chase as Jamaica tightened the screws.
Guyana made a reasonable start but could never generate the sustained momentum required. Akeela Stephen battled for 18 and Sarah Bheir added 12, but Jamaica’s bowlers consistently denied the Guyanese batters the opportunity to build a decisive partnership.
Neveah Webley spearheaded the attack with 3-19 as Guyana were eventually dismissed for 82 in 17.2 overs.
The 21-run victory lifted Jamaica to their second straight triumph and demonstrated their ability to win even when their own batting performance leaves little margin for error.
Brathwaite produces a masterclass for Barbados
Barbados supplied the day’s other major statement, overwhelming the Leeward Islands by 90 runs at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.
The victory was built almost entirely around a breathtaking innings from Eboni Brathwaite.
The Barbadian opener was simply untouchable, smashing an unbeaten 135 as Barbados surged to an imposing 262-2 from their allotted 20 overs.
Zaniyah Bruce provided support with an unbeaten 20, but it was Brathwaite’s extraordinary century that transformed the innings from strong to overwhelming.
The Leeward Islands faced a mountain from the outset. They managed 116-3 in reply, with Zara Skerritt remaining unbeaten on 37 and Innka Wilson making 28.
Those contributions provided some resistance, but the asking rate was always beyond their reach.
Camia Matthew-Brome returned the economical figures of 1-5 as Barbados completed a commanding 90-run victory.
Three different victories, one intensifying championship
Tuesday’s results highlighted three distinct paths to victory.
Trinidad and Tobago relied on devastating bowling and a lightning-fast chase. Jamaica prevailed through disciplined bowling after their batting innings faltered. Barbados, meanwhile, overwhelmed their opponents through one spectacular individual batting performance.
But the broader picture is becoming increasingly clear.
T&T remain unbeaten and firmly established at the top, Jamaica have responded with consecutive victories, and Barbados have shown that they possess the firepower to punish any side that gives them an opening.
With the Rising Stars championship gathering momentum, the pressure is beginning to rise for the teams chasing the unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago side.