On Friday, 12th July, Cricket United States of America (USA) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced that a Under 19 Women’s T20 Series will be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago from July 14th to 28th, 2024. All matches of the U19 series will be held at the University of West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus Ground.
This tour marks the second time the women’s youth regional teams of the USA and West Indies are competing since the USA hosted CWI in Florida in 2022. It also signifies the beginning of preparations for the 2025 International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, for which the USA once again earned automatic qualification.
In August 2022, the USA U19 team hosted the West Indies U19 for a 5-match T20I series, where the USA dominated with a 4-1 win. West Indies’ Djenaba Joseph was the top run scorer of the series, accumulating 90 runs with an average of 18.00 and a strike rate of 65.69. Meanwhile, the USA’s Bhumika Bhadriraju was the top wicket-taker with 5 dismissals, her best figures being 2/15 and an economy of 4.17.
In the forthcoming series, the USA will be led by Anika Kolan who was recently appointed as the senior team’s vice-captain during their recent tour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier while Ritu Singh will serve as her deputy.
The USA U19 Squad for the 5-match T20I series against West Indies U19:
Anika Kolan ©, Disha Dhingra, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, Ritu Singh (VC), Isani Vaghela, Sasha Vallabhaneni, Aditiba Chudasama, Lekha Shetty, Aafia Khazi, Maahi Madhavan, Saanvi Immadi, Mitali Patwardhan, Sai Tanmayi Eyyunni, Pooja Shah
Reserves:
Pooja Ganesh, Rithvika Karri and Suhani Thadani
Chair of the Women’s National Selection Panel, Amer Afzaluddin, expressed delight with the exceptional talent emerging nationwide due to the intra-regional games organized by Cricket USA, regions, volunteer team coordinators, parents, coaches, and the women cricketers who participated in large numbers.
Amer Afzaluddin, stated, “We are delighted with the exceptional talent that has emerged nationwide as a result of the intra-regional games organized by USA Cricket, the regions, volunteer team coordinators, parents, coaches, and most importantly, the women cricketers who participated in large numbers.”
He further noted that the senior squad already includes a good number of U19 cricketers who toured the UAE, and it was exhilarating to witness talented U19-eligible players put in impressive performances while representing the senior squad. Having a significant number of senior players who are also under-19 players provides a strong foundation to build upon in this age group.
Cricket West Indies High Performance Manager, Graeme West, emphasized the importance of the upcoming series for the team’s preparation for the ICC T20 U19 World Cup. Coming right after the Regional Under 19 Tournament, the selected players will be ready to build on their recent performances in Trinidad. Top priorities for the team management include refining their game plan and defining player roles. Additional competitive opportunities are planned for August and September to further hone their skills. West expects a strong showing from the USA side, anticipating another closely contested series following their last encounter in 2022.
MATCH SCHEDULE – at UWI, St. Augustine
18 July: 1st Women’s U19 T20 – 10:00am (EST)
20 July: 2nd Women’s U19 T20 – 10:00am (EST)
22 July: 3rd Women’s U19 T20 – 10:00am (EST)
25 July: 4th Women’s U19 T20 – 10:00am (EST)
27 July: 5th Women’s U19 T20 – 10:00am (EST)