New Zealand U19 Women’s Team Achieves Decisive Victory Over West Indies U19 Women in Warm-Up Match

The West Indies Under-19 women’s cricket team suffered a resounding 79-run defeat at the hands of their New Zealand counterparts in a warm-up match held at the UKM-YSD Cricket Oval in Bangi, Malaysia, on January 16, 2025. The New Zealand team, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a formidable total of 151 for two in their allotted 20 overs. This strong performance was anchored by a dominant opening partnership between Emma McLeod and Kate Irwin.

McLeod crafted a well-paced half-century, scoring 50 runs off just 42 deliveries, while Irwin provided solid support with a fluent 46 off 41 balls. Both batters retired not out, showcasing their control and allowing other teammates an opportunity to bat. McLeod retired at 89, leaving Irwin to continue building the innings. Irwin subsequently retired at 115, having laid a substantial foundation for a competitive total. The innings was then seen through to the end by Eve Wolland and Anika Todd, who contributed valuable unbeaten knocks of 22 and 20 respectively, ensuring New Zealand maximized their scoring potential.

In reply, the West Indies Under-19 women’s batting line-up faltered dramatically, crumbling under the pressure exerted by the New Zealand bowlers. Their run chase was effectively derailed within the powerplay, slumping to a precarious 31 for five after just 10 overs. This early collapse proved insurmountable, as they were eventually bowled out for a paltry 72 runs, highlighting a significant disparity in batting proficiency between the two sides.

Brianna Harricharan emerged as the top scorer for the West Indies with a modest contribution of 16 runs, while Kenika Cassar remained unbeaten on 13, and Asabi Callender chipped in with 10. However, these individual efforts were insufficient to rescue the team from a comprehensive defeat. The inability of the West Indies batters to build partnerships and counter the disciplined New Zealand bowling attack ultimately led to their demise.

The New Zealand bowlers maintained a tight grip on the game, consistently applying pressure and capitalizing on the West Indies’ vulnerabilities. Anika Todd, who had earlier contributed with the bat, shone with the ball, claiming impressive figures of two wickets for just three runs. Her economical and impactful spell further emphasized the comprehensive nature of New Zealand’s victory.

This warm-up match served as a stark reminder of the areas needing improvement for the West Indies Under-19 women’s team ahead of their upcoming challenges. While individual performances offered glimpses of potential, the team’s overall batting display exposed a vulnerability against quality bowling. The inability to construct substantial partnerships and the susceptibility to early wickets proved detrimental, highlighting the need for greater resilience and strategic adaptability in pressure situations. The match provided valuable learning opportunities for the young West Indies side, underscoring the importance of refining their batting techniques and developing a more cohesive and effective approach in future encounters.