分类： sports

In a display of resilience and tactical prowess, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team clinched a crucial 25-run victory against Ireland on January 25th during the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The match, held at the High Performance Oval in Namibia, was ultimately decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method following rain interruptions, yet underscored the Caribbean side’s determination to advance in the tournament.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the West Indies lineup faced significant challenges against a disciplined Irish bowling attack. The batting order faltered consistently, with the notable exception of Jewel Andrew, whose international experience proved invaluable. Andrew anchored the innings with a determined knock of 66 runs, providing stability and ensuring his team posted a competitive total of 234 before being bowled out.

Ireland’s response began promisingly, with openers James West and Freddie Ogibly forging a solid 47-run partnership. The momentum continued as West combined with Adam Lecky for an additional 35 runs, positioning Ireland favorably. However, the West Indies’ spin attack dramatically shifted the game’s dynamics. Vitel Lawes (2-41) and Micah McKenzie (4-36) applied relentless pressure through a series of dot balls, triggering a cascade of reckless shots and wickets from the Irish batsmen.

Just as Ireland’s innings unraveled, rain intervened, halting play permanently. The umpires subsequently applied the DLS method, confirming the West Indies’ victory. Despite this win, the team acknowledges the need for improvement as they prepare to face an in-form Australian squad on January 28th in a high-stakes encounter that will determine their semi-final prospects.

Legendary West Indies cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira has expressed considerable optimism about the regional team’s prospects following their impressive performances at the ongoing ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup across Namibia and Zimbabwe. The Caribbean squad successfully advanced to the tournament’s Super Six stage, securing a notable victory against Ireland on January 26.

Perreira’s commendation came even prior to this latest triumph, following the team’s impressive group stage victory against South Africa. The veteran commentator, whose association with Windies cricket spans over fifty years, particularly highlighted the exceptional batting display from Zachary Carter, who scored a spectacular 114 runs from just 104 deliveries, including eight boundaries and eight maximums.

“Carter’s century was truly extraordinary,” Perreira noted. “His powerful striking and strong on-side play remind me of former Guyana and West Indies opener Clayton Lambert. Maintaining a run rate consistently above five while scoring 104 balls with eight fours and four sixes demonstrated remarkable composure.”

Perreira emphasized the encouraging development of batting depth within the squad, observing that the team no longer relies solely on standout performer Jewel Andrew. He praised Jonathan Van Lange’s supporting partnership with Carter and highlighted opener James Francis’ earlier half-century performance.

The commentary legend also recognized the team’s bowling strengths, particularly Shaquan Belle’s outstanding 6-40 figures from 10 overs. Perreira identified emerging talents like left-arm medium pacer Jaqueem Pollard and left-arm leg spinner Vitel Lawes as promising prospects for West Indies cricket’s future.

With this demonstrated depth in both batting and bowling departments, the West Indies squad appears well-positioned to challenge for their second Under-19 World Cup title, potentially ending their decade-long championship drought in the tournament.

The West Indies Cricket Board has officially announced its 15-man roster for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, setting its sights on reclaiming international glory after a ten-year championship drought. Under the leadership of Barbadian captain Shai Hope, the squad will travel to India and Sri Lanka in February for the prestigious tournament, where they hope to replicate their triumphant 2016 campaign.

The selection, finalized prior to the team’s recent series against Afghanistan as required by ICC regulations, showcases a powerful blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent. The batting lineup demonstrates formidable firepower with the inclusion of explosive hitters including Johnson Charles of Saint Lucia, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and Sherfane Rutherford.

Bowling resources appear equally impressive, featuring a diverse spin department led by left-arm specialists Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, supported by the reliable off-spin of Roston Chase. The pace attack gains formidable strength from rising star Shamar Joseph, complemented by the experienced Jason Holder, along with Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd.

Adding fresh dynamism to the squad is newcomer Quentin Sampson, who earned his selection following an outstanding performance in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League where he received the award for most promising emerging player. The Guyanese sensation brings additional energy and potential to the Caribbean side’s campaign.

The complete squad includes: Shai Hope (Captain), Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales.

In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Hummingbird House clinched the overall title at the Camille Henry Memorial School Track and Field Championship, held January 23rd at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. Demonstrating remarkable resilience after a last-place finish in the previous year, the team amassed 396 points—a massive 150-point improvement—to dethrone the defending champions, Flamingo House. The final standings saw Zenaida secure second place with 374 points, followed by Flamingo in third with 354, and Eagle House finishing fourth with 320 points.

The championship was further illuminated by the extraordinary performances of several young athletes. Daveril Albert secured the Victror Ludorum title in the Under-13 boys’ category for the second consecutive year, defending his titles in both the 80m (10.6 seconds) and 150m (19.9 seconds) events. In a seamless transition to a higher division, Kadia Joseph, the reigning Under-11 champion, dominated the Under-13 girls’ category by sweeping the 80m (11.1s), 150m (20.6s), and 300m (48.6s) races. Last year’s winner in this division, Alexia Giddings of Eagle House, also delivered a strong performance, earning two gold medals and a bronze.

Other standout competitors included Jaiden Hunte, who emerged as the top Under-11 boy with wins in the 80m (11.4s) and 150m (22.1s). Maddison Lee was a revelation in the Under-11 girls’ category, dominating the 150m (24.9s) and 300m (59.4s) events. Among the youngest competitors, Kheyon Aroudel (Under-9 boys’ 150m, 24.4s) and Emery Minville (Under-9 girls’ 60m, 10.6s and 150m, 28.1s) claimed victories.

Principal Moarvelle Modeste Lubin attributed the heightened excitement and participation to the inspirational success of World Indoor Champion and Olympic gold medallist Julien Alfred, a Saint Lucian hero. She noted that Alfred’s achievements have fundamentally shifted perceptions about sports on the island. ‘Persons before didn’t see the need for sports… But Julien Alfred proved us wrong,’ Modeste-Lubin stated, highlighting that students now see a tangible path to global achievement. This new ethos has galvanized the entire school community, with parents and teachers volunteering their time on weekends and after school to prepare the athletes. The school’s top competitors will now set their sights on the upcoming District 2 and Inter-District Track and Field Championships, all while balancing preparations for their third-term exit exams.

The highly anticipated Sandals/Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Under-19 Tournament commenced with spectacular energy at Mindoo Philip Park on January 25th. This competitive event brings together eight district squads across four designated venues, promising weeks of exceptional 50-over cricket displays that highlight emerging talent and regional pride.

The inaugural match featured a compelling day/night confrontation between South Castries and Central Castries—the latter sharing honors as 2025 tournament champions—following an elaborate opening ceremony that established the championship’s elevated standards.

Adverse weather conditions necessitated a match reduction to 35 overs per side. South Castries, upon winning the toss, strategically elected to field first. Despite initial challenges with excessive extras, their bowling unit effectively contained Central Castries’ batting lineup, triggering a dramatic collapse.

Tyler Venner emerged as the sole batsman demonstrating resilience for Central Castries, delivering an impressive 49-run performance featuring five boundaries and one six, narrowly missing a deserved half-century. The team ultimately posted 118 all out, with 25 runs attributed to extras. Nathaniel Joseph spearheaded South’s bowling attack with an exceptional four-wicket haul at the cost of 29 runs.

Facing a modest target, Central Castries mounted an extraordinary bowling response that dismantled South Castries for a mere 65 runs. The victory was engineered through masterful spin bowling, with last season’s MVP Theo Edward redeeming his batting performance by capturing four wickets for 16 runs. He partnered effectively with leg-spinner Aiden Scholar, who achieved a stunning economy rate of three wickets for six runs across seven overs. Notably, 32 of South’s runs came from extras, highlighting their batting difficulties.

This emphatic victory immediately positions Central Castries at the tournament’s summit as the competition progresses through its preliminary stages.