The West Indies Under-19 Women’s team enters the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia with high hopes of advancing beyond the Super Six stage, a feat they narrowly missed in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2023.
Their campaign begins with a tough opener against defending champions India on January 19 at the Bayeumas Oval in Pandamaran, where all Group A matches will be played.
Led by 17-year-old all-rounder Samara Ramnath, the West Indies squad boasts a mix of youthful energy and valuable experience. Ramnath, who spent her summer as part of the Trinbago Knight Riders squad in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, is keen to make an impact both as a leader and a player.
Ramnath will be assisted by vice-captain Asabi Callender, one of three players returning for their second ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. St Kitts and Nevis’ footballer turned cricketer, Jahzara Claxton, who is a medium fast bowler, and all-rounder Naijanni Cumberbatch are the other returning players.
Their experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of a competitive group that includes India, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia.
The West Indies showed promise in South Africa in 2023, when they finished second in their group with wins over Ireland and Indonesia. However, losses to Rwanda and England in the Super Six derailed their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
This time, they aim to build on that foundation and secure a deeper run in the tournament. But, the Caribbean side will need to hit the ground running to secure a spot in the knockout rounds and build momentum toward a successful campaign.
Head coach Robert Samuels expressed pride in their preparation.
“Our young players have shown tremendous dedication and improvement during their preparation. We are confident that they will represent the West Indies with pride and demonstrate the bright future of women's cricket in our region,” the Jamaican declared.
After their opening clash with India, the West Indies will face Sri Lanka on January 21, before closing the group stage against Malaysia on January 23.
Defending champions India are the team to beat in Group A. With three players—Gongadi Trisha, Shabnam Shakil, and Sonam Yadav—returning from the victorious 2023 squad, they bring a wealth of experience. Trisha, who topped the run charts in the recent Asia Cup, will lead a strong batting lineup alongside G Kamalini and captain Niki Prasad.
Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Shakil, Yadav, and Asia Cup top wicket-taker Aayushi Shukla, is equally formidable.
Like the West Indies, Sri Lanka enters the tournament aiming to surpass their Super Six finish from 2023. Prodigious bowler Chamodi Praboda and captain Manudi Nanayakkara will be key players.
Nanayakkara’s explosive batting, highlighted by her unbeaten 74 off 40 balls against Malaysia, adds firepower to a middle order that also features Limansa Thilakarathna and Sumudu Nisansala.
The Sri Lankans are eager for redemption after a narrow loss to India in the Asia Cup semi-finals, and their clash with the West Indies on January 21 promises to be a pivotal encounter.
Meanwhile, host Malaysia, making their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup debut, will be hoping to give a good account on home soil. Captain Nur Dania Syuhada will lead a team fresh from their participation in the U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
While their inexperience at this level poses challenges, Malaysia will rely on Syuhada’s all-round skills and her partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Nur Aliya Binti Mohd Hairun to create opportunities for an upset.