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By Samuel Peters
The Leeward Islands Under-19s Women’s championship hopes ended in disappointment as Barbados secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the CWI Women’s Under-19 Championship Final on Saturday.
The Leeward Islands’ finals campaign unraveled from the first ball when star performer Sainavi Kambalapalli was dismissed LBW for a duck by Erin Deane. Kayzg Boyles followed for another duck, leaving the team at 10 for 2 within two overs.
Captain Jahzara Claxton fought back with 28 runs off 25 balls, striking five boundaries, while Aaliyah Weekes contributed 20 runs. However, consistent pressure from the Barbados bowling attack prevented any substantial partnerships as the Leeward Islands were dismissed for just 93 runs in 23.3 overs.
Theanny Herbert-Mayers led the Barbados attack with three for 15 runs, while Naijanni Cumberbatch also claimed three for 33. Sabriel Headley (2/15) and Erin Deane (2/23) completed the demolition, never allowing the Leeward Islands batsmen to settle.
Chasing 93 runs, Barbados approached their task with confidence. Asabi Callender provided a solid start with 14 runs, while captain Theanny Herbert-Mayers and Naijanni Cumberbatch contributed valuable runs.
Elecia Bowman (13 not out) and Eboni Brathwaite (11 not out) guided Barbados to 72 for 3 in 12.2 overs before rain interrupted play. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method confirmed their victory by seven wickets.
Despite the disappointing final, reaching consecutive championship finals demonstrated the improving quality of the Leeward Islands cricket program. Kambalapalli’s tournament performances established her as one of the competition’s standout players averaging 41.74 with the bat and a top score of 62*, as well as picking up 11 wickets at an astonishing average of 7.18 from four matches earning her the Most Valuable Player Award. She was also named in the USA’s Under 19 Team that will face West Indies in the upcoming bilateral series between the West Indies and USA in Trinidad and Tobago.
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