West Indies Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team to Compete in ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

The West Indies Cricket Board (CWI) is thrilled to announce the participation of its U19 women’s team in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, 2025. This landmark event signifies a crucial step in the advancement of women’s cricket within the Caribbean, providing a global platform for the region’s emerging talent to compete against the world’s best. The CWI views this tournament as a testament to the growth and future of West Indies women’s cricket, with the squad representing the culmination of dedicated development programs and showcasing the immense potential of young players from across the Caribbean.

The team, captained by Samara Ramnath and vice-captained by Asabi Callender, is a diverse blend of talent from across the Caribbean islands, underscoring CWI’s commitment to nurturing talent throughout the region. They are poised to gain invaluable international experience, competing against 15 other nations, including established cricketing powerhouses and emerging forces. This diverse competition includes teams that qualified from the 2023 edition – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies – as well as host nation Malaysia. Five additional teams – Nepal, Nigeria, Samoa, Scotland, and the United States – earned their berths through regional qualifiers. Notably, this tournament will mark Samoa’s first-ever World Cup appearance at any level and Malaysia’s inaugural participation in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

In preparation for this prestigious tournament, the West Indies U19 women’s team has undergone rigorous training at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and participated in various tours throughout the year. Head coach Robert Samuels has expressed immense pride in the team’s dedication and progress, confident that they will represent the West Indies with distinction and demonstrate the promising future of women’s cricket in the region. The focused training and competitive exposure aim to equip the players with the necessary skills and experience to compete at the highest level.

The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups. The West Indies has been drawn into Group A, alongside India, Sri Lanka, and the host nation, Malaysia. The group stage will take place from January 19 to 23, with the top three teams from each group progressing to the Super 6 stage, scheduled from January 25 to 29. The Super 6 stage utilizes a carry-over points system, where teams retain their points and net run rate from the group stage. They will then compete against two teams from a different group that finished in different positions, ensuring a balanced and competitive format. For instance, if the West Indies tops Group A, they will face the second and third-place teams from another group.

The culmination of the tournament will see the top two teams from each Super 6 group advance to the semifinals on January 31, with the final scheduled for February 2 at the 3,000-capacity Bayuemas Oval. This setup ensures a thrilling climax to the tournament, offering the players a chance to compete in a high-stakes environment and showcase their abilities on a significant stage.

The West Indies U19 Women’s squad comprises 15 talented players, supplemented by five reserves, representing the cream of young female cricketing talent in the region. Led by captain Samara Ramnath and vice-captain Asabi Callender, the team will depart for Malaysia on January 1 for a pre-tournament camp from January 5 to 10. This camp will provide crucial acclimatization and fine-tuning of strategies before the tournament commences. Two warm-up matches are scheduled – against Nepal on January 13 and New Zealand on January 15 – to further hone their skills and prepare for the challenging group stage. Their opening match against India on January 19 will set the tone for their World Cup campaign.

The 15-player squad features a mix of promising batters, bowlers, and all-rounders, carefully selected to form a balanced and competitive unit. The reserves provide valuable depth and an opportunity for further development, should the need arise. The team management, led by head coach Robert Samuels and supported by a competent coaching staff, is dedicated to providing the players with the best possible support and guidance. This comprehensive approach aims to maximize the team’s potential and ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The team’s participation in this prestigious tournament is not only a significant achievement but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff.

The West Indies U19 Women’s team’s journey to the World Cup reflects the growing strength and depth of women’s cricket in the region. This tournament provides an unparalleled opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their talent, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the continued growth of the sport. Their performances on the world stage will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female cricketers in the Caribbean. The CWI’s investment in the development of women’s cricket is clearly paying dividends, and the future looks bright for the sport in the region.

The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be a pivotal moment for these young players and for the future of West Indies women’s cricket. Their participation in this global event marks a significant milestone in their cricketing journeys and provides a platform to demonstrate their skills and potential to a wider audience. The experience gained from competing against the world’s best will undoubtedly shape their future careers and contribute to the continued development of West Indies cricket. This tournament is not just about winning; it’s about growth, exposure, and the continued elevation of women’s cricket in the Caribbean.