PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Hosts Trinidad and Tobago suffered a massive disappointment in their quest to win the Women’s Rising Stars Under-19 Championship when they slumped to a seven-wicket defeat to United States in the crucial final round match on Wednesday.
In a contest between the only two unbeaten teams in the tournament, the United States easily chased down an inadequate 94 to complete victory with 23 deliveries to spare at the Brian Lara Stadium and lift the inaugural title.
The visiting side finished on 22 points from five wins and a no-result, with T&T ending four points behind in second.
“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,” USA captain Geetika Kodali said.
“The quality of the tournament was good and very well organized. 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.”
Sent in, T&T got a top score of 34 not out from Djenaba Joseph as they crawled to 93 for five off their 20 overs.
The hosts were struggling on 36 for three in the 11th over before Joseph struck four fours in a 27-ball knock, in a 45-run, fourth wicket stand with Aniaya Roberts (15) to rescue the innings.
Kodali led her side’s attack with two for eight from her three overs.
In reply, T&T’s hopes were lifted when new-ball bowler Samara Ramnath (2-13) removed both USA openers Chetnaa Prasad (12) and Laasya Mullapudi (5) cheaply to reduce the run chase to 20 for two in the fourth over.
However, Anika Kolan came to her side’s aid, hitting an unbeaten 46 from 45 deliveries with four fours to power the USA to an easy win.
Crucially, Kolan put on 72 for the third wicket with Lisa Ramjit (14) in a partnership which put paid to any hopes of a T&T comeback.
In the other match at the venue, Windward Islands finished strongly with a four-wicket victory over Guyana.
Realeanna Grimmond struck an unbeaten 50 off 79 balls with eight fours to propel Guyana to 84 for four off their 20 overs, after they were asked to bat.
And the Windwards reached their target with two balls to spare, Jannillea Glasgow top-scoring with 24 to help the run chase to defy Guyana’s bid.
Windwards finished third with 14 points while Barbados and Jamaica, both of whom had their campaigns wrecked by the weather, finished on ten points apiece.
Guyana ended one from bottom on eight points while Leeward Islands failed to win a single game and finished on two points.
(CMC)
