West Indies to Host USA Under-19 Women’s Team for Five-Match T20 International Series in Trinidad

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 16-member squad to compete against the USA Cricket Under-19 Women’s National Team in a five-match T20 International series. The series, scheduled from July 26th to August 3rd, 2025, will be hosted at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. This marks the third bilateral series between these two teams, with previous encounters taking place in Florida and Trinidad. The squad selection follows the recent Rising Stars Under-19 35-over Championships in Trinidad, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Leading the West Indies squad is Trinidadian off-spinner Samara Ramnath, with 16-year-old Barbadian Theanny Herbert-Mayers serving as vice-captain. Ramnath, a veteran of the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, brings valuable experience to the captaincy role. The squad blends seasoned players with promising newcomers, including Jamaican Abigail Bryce, leading wicket-taker NaiJanni Cumberbatch, and young talents Amrita Ramtahal and Brianna Harricharan. The team represents a dynamic mix of youth and experience, poised to challenge the USA team. Both teams participated in the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, progressing to the Super 6 stage, setting the scene for a competitive series.

The coaching staff boasts considerable cricketing expertise, headed by former West Indies Women’s captain Merissa Aguilleira, who recently led Trinidad and Tobago to victory in the CG United Women’s Super 50. She is supported by assistant coaches Tremayne Smartt and Ryan Hinds, both former West Indies players, and team manager Yasmine St. Ange, a former Windward Islands fast bowler and captain. This experienced coaching unit will provide valuable guidance and mentorship to the young squad.

CWI CEO Chris Dehring expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series, emphasizing its role in inspiring young girls across the region to embrace cricket. He highlighted the strategic importance of the series in providing competitive opportunities for young female cricketers and fostering partnerships to grow the game across the Americas. The series is not only a competitive platform but also a testament to CWI’s commitment to developing women’s cricket in the region.

Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, underscored the significance of the series as a crucial step towards the 2027 Women’s Under-19 World Cup. The series provides a valuable opportunity to assess the players’ current abilities and identify areas for improvement, informing the development plans for the next eighteen months leading up to the World Cup. This long-term perspective emphasizes the importance of the series beyond the immediate competition, serving as a stepping stone for future success.

The five-match series will be held at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground, with all matches commencing at 10 am local time. Live streaming will be available on the Cricket West Indies YouTube channel, providing fans worldwide with access to the action. This accessibility aims to broaden the reach of the series and further promote women’s cricket. The squad includes Samara Ramnath (Captain), Theanny Herbert-Mayers (Vice-Captain), Adanya Baugh, Eboni Brathwaite, Abigail Bryce, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Kaela George, Brianna Harricharan, Zakiyah Harrilal, Sabriel Headley, Danellie Manns, Brianna Plummer, Amrita Ramtahal, Kristen Sutherland, Jaeda Tyrell, and Aaliyah Weekes. This diverse group of young athletes represents the future of West Indies women’s cricket.

The series against the USA Under-19 Women’s team offers a valuable opportunity for these players to gain experience, develop their skills, and prepare for the challenges ahead, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of West Indies women’s cricket on the global stage. The comprehensive preparation and strategic focus underscore CWI’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building a strong foundation for the future of women’s cricket in the region. This series is not merely a competition; it is an investment in the future of the sport.