The final match of the T20 series between United States of America (USA) U19 and hosts West Indies U19 took place at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St. Augustine. After winning the toss, the hosts opted to field first.
USA U19 had a shaky start, losing both openers early in the innings. However, a brief recovery came through Niharika Doshi and Hashini Karthikeyan, who scored 23 and 21 runs, respectively, steadying the innings after the early blows. Unfortunately for the visitors, no other batter managed to reach double figures, and the team was bowled out for just 88, failing to complete their 20 overs.
While the West Indies bowlers regularly took wickets and kept the run rate in check, they struggled slightly with discipline, conceding 25 runs in extras. Right-arm pacer Aaliyah Weekes was the standout, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs. Off-spinners Theanny Herbert-Mayers and Danielle Manns also impressed, picking up two wickets each and playing a key role in restricting the opposition.
Defending a low total, the USA bowlers were spot on from the very first ball. Off-spinner Taranum Chopra opened the bowling and delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 8 in her four overs. She was well supported by her fellow spinners, leg-spinner Sainavi Kambalapalli and left-arm spinner Chetana Pagydyala, both of whom took two wickets each.
For the West Indies, only opener Naijanni Cumberbatch and captain Samara Ramnath managed to get going. The rest of the batting lineup struggled, with all other players dismissed for single-digit scores. The team was eventually bowled out for 73, losing the match by 15 runs.
With this win, the visitors clinched the series, lifting the trophy with a 3-1 victory in the six-match contest, which saw two games washed out. The West Indies started the series on a high, winning the opening match, but the USA bounced back strongly.
Showcasing impressive performances with both bat and ball, they took control of the series and sealed it with a convincing 3-1 margin.
Loves all things female cricket