Barbados Claims U19 Rising Stars Championship Title in Decisive Final Victory

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over Championship culminated in a resounding victory for Team Barbados, who avenged an earlier defeat to reclaim the title they had won the previous year. Their six-wicket triumph over USA Under 19 “1” in the final at Conaree Sports Club capped off a dominant tournament performance, mirroring the success of their female counterparts who had secured the Under-19 Women’s title just days before. This double victory underscored the strength of Barbados’s youth cricket development programs.

Barbados’ path to victory in the final was built on a solid bowling performance that restricted USA “1” to 212 all out. Left-arm seamers Jakeem Pollard and Zachary Carter were instrumental, each claiming three wickets, despite resistance from Sahil Garg (40) and Adnit Jhamb (38). The Barbados batsmen then made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 38.2 overs. Captain Joshua Dorne led the charge with an unbeaten 55, supported by valuable contributions from Shaquan Belle (45), Carter (34), and Micah Greenidge (32).

The tournament showcased the emerging talent within the West Indies and the increasing competitiveness of the USA teams. While Barbados ultimately triumphed, USA “1” proved a formidable opponent throughout the competition. Their early matches demonstrated their potential, including a stunning upset of Jamaica in the opening round and consistent victories against other regional powerhouses. They even inflicted a heavy defeat on Barbados in the group stage, highlighting the narrowing gap in talent between the established cricketing nations and the rising USA program.

The preliminary rounds witnessed a series of compelling contests that shaped the final standings. USA “1” and Barbados emerged as the dominant forces, consistently posting high scores and delivering strong bowling performances. Other teams, including the Windward Islands, Jamaica, and Guyana, also showed flashes of brilliance. Individual performances played a crucial role in determining the outcomes of several matches, with centuries recorded by Sahil Garg (USA “1”) and Earsinho Fontaine (Windward Islands), showcasing the batting prowess on display. The tournament provided valuable experience for all participating teams, exposing players to high-pressure situations and fostering their development.

Barbados’ head coach, former West Indies opener Sherwin Campbell, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of defending their title. He acknowledged the challenge posed by USA “1”, particularly in their earlier defeat, but emphasized the team’s ability to learn from the experience and adapt their strategy. Campbell also stressed the significance of the women’s team victory, emphasizing the strength of the Barbados youth cricket system. He advocated for more focus on three-day cricket to facilitate the development of skills necessary for the longer format of the game, particularly with Test cricket in mind.

The CWI Rising Stars U19 Championship served as a valuable platform for identifying and nurturing the next generation of West Indies cricketers. Joshua Dorne’s recognition as the tournament MVP, alongside other individual awards, highlighted the exceptional talent on display. The tournament also demonstrated the growing strength of cricket in the USA, with their U19 teams putting forth competitive performances. Looking ahead, the tournament promises to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of West Indies cricket.