USA Defeats Jamaica in U-19 Earthquake Tournament; Barbados Advances to Defend Title

The Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-Over Championships ignited in Basseterre, St Kitts, with a day of dramatic cricketing action. The opening matches showcased a blend of stunning upsets, dominant performances, and nail-biting finishes, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament. The USA orchestrated a remarkable victory against Jamaica, defending champions Barbados asserted their dominance with a crushing win, while the Windward Islands secured a gritty triumph, and Trinidad & Tobago emerged victorious in a last-ball thriller.

The USA’s 13-run win over Jamaica at St Mary’s Park was the day’s biggest upset. Saharsh Shwethan anchored the American innings with a composed 85, rescuing his team from a precarious 109 for 8 and guiding them to a respectable 209 all out. Despite a blistering opening partnership of 117 runs between Jamaican batsmen Tyriek Bryan (58) and Kev’Aundre Virgo (51), Utkarsh Srivastava’s impressive 4-wicket haul spearheaded a dramatic collapse, ultimately leading to Jamaica’s demise.

Defending champions Barbados delivered a resounding statement of intent at Elquemedo Willett Park, thrashing Guyana by 140 runs. Captain Joshua Dorne and opener Zachary Carter set the foundation with solid half-centuries, supported by valuable contributions from Gadson Bowens, Shaquan Belle, and Kevion Newton, propelling Barbados to a formidable 287 for 6. Guyana’s bowlers struggled to contain the Barbadian onslaught, and their batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of a disciplined bowling attack, led by R’Jai Gittens’ 4 wickets for 26 runs. Only Shamar Apple and Afraz Budhoo offered any significant resistance as Guyana were bowled out for a paltry 147.

At Conaree Sports Club, the Windward Islands secured a thrilling 5-run victory over the Leeward Islands, showcasing the importance of a disciplined bowling performance. Despite being bowled out for a modest 124, with top scorers Stephan Pascal and Theo Edward contributing 21 runs each, the Windward Islands bowlers produced a stunning turnaround. Kirt Murray, Kirsten Murray, and Darvin Forde shared the spoils, each claiming three wickets, to restrict the Leeward Islands to 119, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

The final match of the day witnessed a dramatic finish as Trinidad & Tobago edged past USA-2 by the narrowest of margins – a single wicket. Details of individual contributions remain limited, but the thrilling one-wicket victory underscores the fiercely competitive nature of the tournament and provides Trinidad & Tobago with a significant confidence boost heading into the next stage.

The first day of the Rising Stars U19 Championships delivered a captivating blend of unexpected results, dominant performances, and thrillingly close finishes. The USA’s upset victory over Jamaica, Barbados’ commanding win against Guyana, the Windward Islands’ nail-biting triumph over the Leeward Islands, and Trinidad & Tobago’s last-ball victory against USA-2 provided a glimpse into the exciting cricket to come. These early matches have not only highlighted the talent on display but have also set the stage for an enthralling competition. The tournament promises to be a showcase of emerging cricketing prowess, with every match holding the potential for dramatic twists and turns. The close margins of victory witnessed on the opening day suggest that the competition will remain fiercely contested throughout, offering a platform for young players to shine and demonstrate their skills on a regional stage.