Barbados crowned champions in thrilling Rising Stars Women’s U19 final

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

THE RISING Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship concluded dramatically on Saturday, with Barbados claiming the title after a workmanlike, seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands in their rain-affected final at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago edged Jamaica in a nail-biting third-place play-off, and the Windward Islands cruised past Guyana to secure fifth place.

Barbados showcased their all-round strength, first skittling the Leewards for just 93 in 23.3 overs. Jahzara Claxton with 28 and Aliyah Weekes, 20, offered some resistance, but Theanny Herbert-Mayers with miserly figures of 3-15 and Naijanni Cumberbatch, 3-33, ripped through the batting line-up.

Following a couple of rain delays, Barbados needed to chase a revised DLS target of 69, which they reached with 72-3 in just 12.2 overs. Elecia Bowman contributed 13 not out to help steer them home after Asabi Callender’s brisk 14. Claxton claimed 2-26 to spark a Leewards fightback, but Barbados sealed a convincing victory to lift the trophy.

At the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, Trinidad and Tobago survived a late collapse to beat Jamaica by one wicket in a tense third-place play-off.

Jamaica posted 117, thanks to a defiant 62 from captain Abigail Bryce, but Brianna Harricharan 4-15 and Keira Superville 2-2 restricted them.

In reply, T&T stumbled to 118-9, with Judeen Ebanks, 3-8, and Moniqueca Reid, 3-36, causing havoc. However, contributions from Amitha Ramtahal, 16, and Harricharan, 15, proved just enough for the hosts, who scraped home off the last ball of the innings in the 35th over.

At the National Cricket Centre, the Windward Islands demolished Guyana by 10 wickets in a one-sided contest. Guyana collapsed for just 51, with Amiah Gilbert bagging 5-12. Gilbert then smashed an unbeaten 42 off just 29 balls as the Windwards raced to 53-0 in 8.2 overs, wrapping up a commanding victory.