Windward Islands Defeat Leeward Islands in Opening Round of Regional Under-15 Cricket Tournament

The 2025 Regional Under-15 West Indies cricket tournament commenced in Antigua on Tuesday, April 15th, showcasing a display of youthful talent and competitive spirit. The opening day witnessed three exciting matches, offering a glimpse into the future of West Indies cricket. The Windward Islands made a dominant start, securing a comfortable victory against the Leeward Islands. Trinbago and Guyana engaged in a closely contested battle, with Guyana ultimately emerging triumphant. The final match of the day saw Barbados cruise to a resounding win over Jamaica, highlighting their prowess.

The Windward Islands’ commanding performance against the Leeward Islands set the tone for the tournament. The Leewards, struggling against a disciplined Windwards bowling attack, were bundled out for a meager 109 runs. Jathan Edward top-scored for the Leewards with 23 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make a significant contribution. The Windwards bowlers shared the spoils, with Williams and Charles each picking up three wickets, effectively dismantling the Leewards’ innings. In reply, the Windwards comfortably chased down the target, reaching 110 for the loss of only two wickets. Armstrong anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47, guiding his team to a convincing eight-wicket victory. Edward managed to pick up a wicket for the Leewards, but his efforts were in vain as the Windwards cruised to victory.

The match between Trinbago and Guyana proved to be a more evenly matched contest, with both teams displaying their batting prowess. Trinbago posted a competitive total of 168 runs, thanks to a well-crafted half-century by Julien, who top-scored with 53 runs. However, Guyana’s batsmen rose to the challenge, successfully chasing down the target with six wickets to spare. Ramdehol played a stellar innings, remaining unbeaten on 64, and steered his team to victory. The match showcased the batting depth of both sides, promising an exciting tournament ahead.

Barbados showcased their dominance against Jamaica, delivering a clinical performance in all aspects of the game. Jamaica’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure exerted by the Barbados bowlers, managing a paltry total of 77 runs. Pryce’s 22 runs was the highest individual score for Jamaica, as the rest of the batsmen struggled to cope with the disciplined bowling. Branford was the pick of the bowlers for Barbados, with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 20 runs. His accurate bowling and ability to extract movement proved too much for the Jamaican batsmen to handle. In reply, Barbados made light work of the chase, reaching the target of 78 runs for the loss of only one wicket. Hinds top-scored with 28 runs, ensuring a comfortable nine-wicket victory for his team. Lloyd managed to pick up a wicket for Jamaica, but it was merely a consolation as Barbados cruised to a resounding victory.

The opening day of the tournament provided a glimpse into the talent on display, with each team showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. The Windwards’ dominant victory, Guyana’s successful chase, and Barbados’ clinical performance set the stage for an exciting and competitive tournament. The young cricketers showcased their skills and determination, promising a bright future for West Indies cricket. The tournament promises to be a platform for these budding cricketers to hone their skills and gain valuable experience at a competitive level.

The performances of individual players like Armstrong, Ramdehol, and Branford highlighted the emerging talent within the region. These young cricketers demonstrated their potential to become future stars of West Indies cricket. The tournament not only provides a platform for individual brilliance but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategic play. The teams that can effectively combine individual talent with collective effort are likely to emerge as the frontrunners in the competition. The tournament’s early stages have already provided thrilling encounters and close finishes, promising more exciting matches in the days to come. As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with each team vying for the coveted title.