BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Cricket fans across St. Kitts and Nevis have yet another reason to celebrate as rising Kittitian star Jahzara Claxton played a pivotal role in the West Indies Women’s thrilling victory over defending champions New Zealand in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
In a dramatic contest at Southampton, the West Indies Women successfully chased down New Zealand’s imposing total of 162 for 6, reaching 163 for 3 with just one ball to spare to secure a sensational seven-wicket victory and make an emphatic statement at the start of their World Cup campaign.
Claxton was at the crease alongside Player of the Match Shemaine Campbell as the pair calmly guided the Caribbean side across the finish line, sealing one of the tournament’s most exciting victories thus far.
The achievement marks another proud milestone for St. Kitts and Nevis, with Claxton continuing to showcase her talent on the international stage and inspiring a new generation of young cricketers across the Federation.
Meanwhile, the celebrations continued for West Indies cricket as the men’s team captured a thrilling five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the decisive third and final T20 International on Sunday evening.
The match, which served as the series decider, proved to be another nail-biting encounter as the West Indies chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 169 with two balls remaining to secure both the victory and the series.
All-rounder Jason Holder turned the match on its head in the penultimate over, smashing three towering sixes to bring the home side roaring back into contention and leaving just six runs required from the final over.
Sherfane Rutherford then anchored the chase brilliantly, finishing unbeaten on 54 as the West Indies reached 170 for 5 in 19.4 overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 169 in their allotted 20 overs, led by Dunith Wellalage’s 43, while West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph starred with the ball, claiming impressive figures of 5 wickets for 33 runs.
The twin successes by the West Indies Women and Men underscore the strength, resilience, and fighting spirit of Caribbean cricket, while Jahzara Claxton’s contribution serves as a shining example of the talent emerging from St. Kitts and Nevis.
As the World Cup progresses and the men’s team builds on its recent success, cricket enthusiasts throughout the Federation will be watching closely and cheering proudly for the maroon.
Congratulations to Jahzara Claxton and the West Indies teams on these outstanding achievements.