In the second round of the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship, Barbados delivered a dominant performance to claim a nine-wicket win against the Windward Islands at the Bethesda Sports Ground in Antigua on Sunday.
After winning the pre-match coin toss, the Windward Islands chose to take the batting crease first. The decision quickly backfired, as Barbados’ bowling attack tore through their opponent’s batting line-up in rapid fashion. The Windward Islands were bowled out for a meager total of 67 runs inside 15 overs, with the innings closing on 14 overs and 3 deliveries.
Young bowler Zaniyah Bruce turned in a standout performance for Barbados, claiming three crucial wickets while conceding only two runs throughout her spell. Zoe McCallister supported Bruce effectively, picking up two wickets for 15 runs to keep the Windward Islands’ run total well below par. Opening batter Daisy Woods put together the most substantial innings of the match for the Windwards, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 24 runs, but her effort was not enough to build a competitive total.
Chasing the low target, Barbados cruised to victory without significant pressure. By the 12th over, the home side had reached 68 runs for the loss of just one wicket, crossing the finish line with overs to spare. Opening batter Jadaeya Holder remained unbeaten at the crease, closing out the game on 26 runs off 36 deliveries to guide her side to the win.
Barbados’ opening round fixture against Guyana was called off earlier in the tournament due to persistent rain, leaving the side without a completed result to open their campaign. They will return to the pitch on Tuesday to face off against the Leeward Islands, where they will be targeting their first consecutive full victory of the championship as they look to build momentum in the youth competition.