USA takes Under-19 Women series in thriller

The visiting USA Under-19 Women’s cricket team won the final game in the 4-match 20/20 Series against hosts, Windward Islands Under-19 in a nail-biting finish at Arnos Vale on Friday to take the series 3-1.

Having won the first two games in the series, the visiting USA women clinched victory by 3 runs in a game which went down to the final ball.

The Windward Islands won the toss and sent the visitors to take first knock. Disha Dhingra top-scored with 27; Pooja Ganesh made 23; and Tya Gonsalves 18 as the USA Under-19 Women totalled 119 for 5 in 20 overs.

Extras contributed a healthy 29, with skipper James taking two for 15; Suenelli Dorius one for 16; Destiny Edward one for 17; and Hernia Cooper one for 24.  The Americans lost wickets at 1 for 6, 2 for 68, 3 for 82, 4 for 85, and 5 for 119.

Replying, the Windward Islands Under-19 Women lost wickets at 1 for 33, 2 for 72, 3 for 107, but were only able to reach 116 for 3 in 20 overs. Leading the batting effort was Zaida James who made 46; Tracey Byron 18, and Nesha Alexander 15 not out.

Bowling for the US, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala took one for 5, Bhumika Devi Bhadriraju one for 15, and Geetika Kodali one for 24, while extras contributed 20.

At the post-match prize-giving ceremony, Zaida James was awarded the Player of the Series title for the Windward Islands Women Under-19 team. She said since she is on the radar of the regional selectors that she is striving to be successful and to do her best in everything.

The Player of the Series for the USA Under-19 Women was Snigda Paul. She described the historic tour as a wonderful experience for all of them and said she is looking forward to improving her game.

On Thursday afternoon, 16-year-old Trisha Bhima made a donation of cricket gear to Cleton Burnett, coach of the Windward Islands Under-19 team. Bhima attends school in San Jose, California, and has embarked on a drive to collect cricket gear. This gear is donated to teams wherever she goes to play cricket.

Coach Burnett expressed gratitude at receiving the gear noting that it will be used to further the developmental programme in which he is involved.