Pretoria, South Africa- West Indies Women’s Rising Stars knocked off the 71-run target, set for them by Zimbabwe, in 12.5 overs. This came in the second of two warmup games, ahead of their first match of the historic ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in South Africa, against Ireland on Sunday (January 15).
After winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, the West Indies Women Rising Stars were able to restrict Zimbabwe to a small total through a focused bowling performance. While Jahzara Claxton was the standout, with figures of 2-0-4-2, the other bowlers were economical, with James, St. John and Cumberbatch picking up a wicket a piece. Only Zamunu (12) and Mavunga (11) were able to get double-digit scores for Zimbabwe.
With a small total to chase, opener Shunelle Sawh (19) looked in good form, as she set the pace for the innings. Naijanni Cumberbatch came to the crease after the fall of the first wicket and made a fiery 22, including three 4’s, before Djenaba Joseph (7*) and Asabi Callendar (1*) saw it home for the West Indies team. Ndhlovu, Chare and Mayo picked up a wicket each in the innings.
Head Coach Steve Liburd was happy with the performance and said,
“We definitely wanted to assess our game plans, so the focus was on how we wanted to play going into the World Cup. The bowlers did a tremendous job in executing their skills and putting the balls into the areas we discussed. From a batting perspective, Naijanni continues to show that she understands her role in this team. Sawh and Joseph supported well for a comprehensive team performance. With a few more days of training ahead of our first match, I am pleased with the players’ response. ”
The West Indies Rising Stars will begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday when they take on Ireland.
WEST INDIES WOMEN UNDER 19s RISING STARS SQUAD
Ashmini Munisar (captain)
Asabi Callendar
Jahzara Claxton
Naijanni Cumberbatch
Earnisha Fontaine
Jannillea Glasgow
Realanna Grimmond
Trishan Holder
Zaida James
Djenaba Joseph
K D Jazz Mitchell
Shalini Samaroo
Shunelle Sawh
Lena Scott
Abini St Jean
GROUPS
Group A: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, USA
Group B: England, Pakistan, Rwanda, Zimbabwe
Group C: Indonesia, Ireland, New Zealand, West Indies
Group D: India, Scotland, South Africa, UAE
WEST INDIES MATCH SCHEDULE
Sunday, January 15: vs Ireland at NW University, Potchefstroom – 4 am Eastern Caribbean/3 am Jamaica
Tuesday, January 17: vs Indonesia at NW University, Potchefstroom – 7:45 am Eastern Caribbean/6:45 am Jamaica
Thursday, January 19: vs New Zealand, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom – 7:45 am Eastern Caribbean/6:45 am Jamaica