Saint Lucia’s Under-23 national cricket squad has returned home following an overwhelmingly successful tour of Dominica, having achieved a comprehensive victory across all formats of the bilateral series. The visiting team demonstrated exceptional prowess by securing clean sweeps in both the three-match 50-over series and the concluding three-day fixture, which concluded prematurely on December 11th due to their dominant performance.
The final match at Botanic Gardens in Portsmouth witnessed Saint Lucia’s strategic mastery when captain Tarrique Edward won the toss and elected to field first. This decision proved immediately fruitful as Dominica was dismissed for a modest 124 runs before tea on the opening day. The bowling attack displayed remarkable cohesion with Keon Gaston, Aaron Joseph, and Jaden Elibox each claiming two wickets. Joseph and Elibox particularly impressed with exceptional economy rates of 1.50.
Saint Lucia responded with 170 all out before day’s end, establishing a crucial 46-run lead. Theo Edward’s explosive batting performance anchored the innings with 67 runs from just 68 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and one six. Captain Tarrique Edward contributed 31 runs while Noelle Leo’s quickfire 17 from 13 balls maintained the scoring momentum.
The second day saw Dominica dismissed for 148 in their second innings, setting a modest target of 103 for victory. Isaiah Jones led the bowling charge with impressive figures of 3-20, supported by captain Edward’s 3-41. The chase proved effortless as Leo’s magnificent 40 from 31 balls (featuring four fours and three sixes) combined with Bolton Sayers’ 20 from 15 deliveries to secure an eight-wicket victory within two days.
The tour highlighted Saint Lucia’s emerging cricket talent, with balanced contributions from both batting and bowling units signaling promising development for the nation’s cricket program.