A thrilling final ball victory for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons kicked off the twelfth iteration of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua on Thursday night.

 Patriots captain Andre Fletcher called the coin correctly and elected to field first and South African pace merchant Anrich Nortje, who would play a crucial cameo with the bat later in the game, skittled Falcons opener Teddy Bishop for just 1. Fakhar Zaman then opened his muscular shoulders, hitting five fours and two sixes in making 43 off 32 balls with Kofi James ably supporting with a 22 off 24.

 England’s Sam Billings was spectacularly caught on the boundary rope at deep midwicket, Odean Smith showcasing pristine footwork and clear thinking in juggling the catch to himself on the boundary edge.

 The star of the Falcons innings though was 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, who showed maturity beyond his years and an eye-catching talent by striking 50 off just 30 balls to post a challenging target of 163-4 for the Patriots to chase.

An ebb and flow of runs and wickets followed as a dramatic match headed down to the final over and then the final delivery. Nortje held his nerve to get the single needed off Roshon Primus to give the Patriots a last gasp win, they equal their win tally of last year’s tournament after just one game.

Kyle Mayers was awarded Player of the Match for a crucial 39 off 24 balls from number three but when he was dismissed by Mohammad Amir in the 16th over it left the Patriots on 133-6 and with plenty still to do. Despite wickets falling steadily, including two in the final over, the Patriots lower order managed to get over the line and chalk up a win to kick off their campaign.

 “I’m happy we won this game” Patriots captain Andre Fletcher reflected in the moments after victory. “I want us to be positive but at the same time, we have to be smart about it. Enjoy the cricket as much as possible, enjoy each other's success and stick together as a team. Once we do that, we have the personnel to do well.”

 The 2024 CPL is up and running and the opening match well and truly whetted the appetite for the next five weeks of action.

In a pioneering effort to prepare the next generation of cricket leaders, title sponsor Kingston Wharves hosted a comprehensive workshop for the captains of the teams that competing in the 2024 Kingston Wharves Under-15 Cricket Competition. The all-day workshop, held on Thursday at Kingston Wharves’ New Port West offices, brought together young captains from across the island, just ahead of the competition’s final between Kensington and Westmoreland at the Ultimate Cricket Ground in St. Ann on Friday.

The workshop was designed to go beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, focusing on essential life skills such as conflict resolution, effective communication, and media interview techniques. These skills are crucial for the development of young cricketers as they progress in their careers and face the demands of modern sports, both on and off the field. The day concluded with a guided tour of the Kingston Wharves port, which was met with enthusiasm by the young participants.

Mark Williams, CEO of Kingston Wharves, emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative. "It's more than just playing the game. Cricket is now a business, and we need to ensure that these young athletes are fully prepared for the world. This means speaking well, having confidence in who they are, and, most importantly, understanding conflict resolution. We may not always agree with an umpire's decision, but we must respect it. Today's workshop is about building leaders and instilling good values in these young cricketers."

The first session, led by Dr. Jayson Downer, a forensic psychologist and founder of Men of God Against Violence and Abuse, centered on conflict resolution. Dr. Downer highlighted the importance of understanding and managing conflict, not just in cricket but in everyday life. "Conflict is a part of daily life, and it's crucial for these young men to learn how to handle it effectively. Whether on the field or in their daily routines, the skills they’ve learned today will be essential as they navigate challenges, including those they may encounter in school."

Ryan Littleton, captain of the Westmoreland cricket team, found the session particularly valuable. "If there's any argument or issue, we can address it within the team. If I can't resolve it, I know I can talk to the coach or manager," he said.

Abraham Waugh, captain of Kensington, who will lead his team against Westmoreland in Friday’s final, echoed Littleton's sentiments. "The workshop really taught me to understand my teammates' perspectives and consider their thoughts, which will be crucial for Friday's match."

The communication and media training session, conducted by well-known media personality Paula Ann Porter-Jones, was lively and interactive, providing the captains with practical skills to manage their interactions with the media confidently.

Oneil Cruickshank, the cricket operations and development manager at the Jamaica Cricket Association, spoke about the workshop's objectives and its future role in the competition. "Ideally, we would have loved to conduct this training for all team levels, but this is a start. We've identified the captains to participate in this workshop as part of our effort to build leadership in these young athletes. The skills they learn here—conflict management, communication, media presentations—are vital and have nothing to do with play. This workshop is timely, and I can confidently say it will become a feature of our pathways program going forward."

The success of this inaugural workshop marks a significant step in the holistic development of Jamaica’s young cricketers, equipping them with the tools necessary for success on and off the field.

Jamaica’s Chavez Penn and Cuban duo Gian Baxter and Anthony Martinez failed to make the podium in the men’s triple jump final at the World Under-20 Championships on what was another topsy-turvy day for Caribbean athletes in Lima, Peru.

With only the three women’s 100m medals credited to the Caribbean so far at the five-day championships, there were slight hopes that the tally might have been increased on Thursday’s third day of action, but it was not to be.

Martinez (15.00m) and Penn (14.71m) struggled for rhythm in the hop, skip, and jump event and, as such, placed 10th and 11th, respectively, while Baxter, who got into the final eight, placed sixth with a best leap of 16.58m.

Prior to that, only Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill and Cuba’s Jocelyn Echazabal progressed in the women’s 100m hurdles final, and it will also be a Jamaica-Cuba combination for the men’s 110m hurdles final, as only Richard Hall and Yander Herrera safely navigated the semi-final round.

Echazabal (13.31s) booked her spot in the final with a second-place finish in semi-final one, while Jamaica’s Habiba Harris (13.64s) placed

Hill continued her charge towards the gold medal, as she won semi-final two in a flat 13.00s, while Maya Rollins (13.96s) of Barbados finished down the track.

On the men’s side, Jamaica’s Daniel Beckford (13.80s) missed out, as he placed sixth in his semi-final.

Cuba’s Herrera placed fourth in his semi-final, but his 13.62s was good enough for one of the two non-automatic qualifying spots, while Jamaican Hall (13.44s) placed second in semi-final three, behind American Ja’Kobe Tharp, who clocked a World Under-20 leading mark of 13.11s.

The sprint hurdles finals are scheduled for 5:05pm and 5:25pm Jamaica time on Friday.

Meanwhile, Adaejah Hodge of British Virgin Islands and Jamaica’s Shanoya Douglas will be present in the women’s 200m final, while Carlos Brown of the Bahamas will be the sole Caribbean representative in the men’s event.

Hodge, the 100m silver medallist, topped semi-final two in an easy 23.18s, while Jamaica’s Sabrina Dockery (23.75s) placed fourth and missed out.

Douglas (23.34s) placed second in the third semi-final to secure her spot in the medal event.

Guyana’s Jackson Clarke (21.88s), Jamaica’s Romario Hines (21.68s) and Barbadian Aragorn Straker (21.30s), finished seventh, fourth and fifth in their respective semi-finals and missed out, as Brown Jr (21.19s) placed third and booked one of the fastest non-automatic qualifying spots.

The 200m finals are scheduled for 6:35pm Jamaica time also on Friday.

The Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) trophy will once again reside in Barbados as the Royals won their second consecutive title with a four-wicket win over the Trinbago Knight Riders in the final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Thursday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, the Royals bowlers made use of some good conditions with the early wickets of TKR captain Deandra Dottin for six and ace Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues for two.

With the loss of their two premier batters, the Knight Riders never recovered, eventually crawling to 93-8 from their 20 overs.

Shikha Pandey (28) and Jannilea Glasgow (24) were the main contributors with the bat as Aaliyah Alleyne bowled beautifully on her way to 4-21 from her four overs.

Captain Hayley Matthews took 2-13 from her four overs in support.

The Royals then made tough work of what should’ve been an easy chase, eventually reaching 94-6 with five overs to spare.

Chamari Athapaththu led the way with a patient 39* off 47 balls including seven fours.

The Royals were, at one point, cruising at 66-1 in the 11^th over before losing five wickets for just 19 runs before Athapaththu and Afy Fletcher brought them over the line.

16-year-old Samara Ramnath bowled well for the Knight Riders with 2-18 from her four overs.

Joe Root's record-equalling 33rd century led the fightback for England on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. 

Root's knock of 143 from 206 deliveries saw him go level with Alastair Cook for the most Test centuries for England as they closed the day on 358-7. 

After losing the toss and being made to bat first, the hosts were reduced to 97-3 at lunch, with Dan Lawrence (nine), Ollie Pope (one) and Ben Duckett (40) all falling inside the first 20 overs of the contest. 

Asitha Fernando claimed his second wicket of the afternoon with the dismissal of Harry Brook for 33, but Root was able to steady the ship as the wickets tumbled around him.

Root passed the half-century mark for the 65th time in this format earlier in the day, forming a seven-wicket stand of 92 with Gus Atkinson (74 not out) also scoring his maiden Test half-century. 

Atkinson will resume at the crease alongside Matthew Potts (20 not out) as they look to add to England's total and their 50-run partnership on day two.

Data Debrief: Record-equalling Root

Root has now equalled Cook (33) for the most hundreds for England in men’s Tests; he’s scored 60+ in seven of his last nine Test innings (84, 68, 14, 122, 87, 62 and 143).

This was also Root's sixth Test century at Lord's, the joint-most by any batter in the format (including Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan).

Star all-rounder Deandra Dottin will wear West Indies colors once again as she was named on Thursday in the regional squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October 3-20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dottin is in line for her first international appearance since her 2022 retirement when the West Indies take on South Africa in their first group match on October 4.

The best cricketer in the world right now, Hayley Matthews, will once again lead the side that also sees the inclusion of regulars like Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Shamilia Connell, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle and Karishma Ramharack.

The squad also boasts a fine mixture of youth and experience with the presence of 19-year-old Zaida James and 20-year-old Ashmini Munisar, who both represented the West Indies at the most recent ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup.

St. Lucian Nerissa Crafton is the only member of the squad with no international experience while this will be the first T20 World Cup for Qiana Joseph and Mandy Mangru.

In addition to South Africa, the West Indies will take on Bangladesh, England and Scotland in Group B of the tournament.

After facing South Africa on October 4, they will Scotland on October 6, Bangladesh on October 10 and England on October 15.

The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals.

Full Squad: Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton, Shamilia Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph

West Indies players enjoyed big moves in the ICC Men’s T20 International Rankings, which serves as just reward for another convincing 3-0 series sweep of South Africa in Trinidad and Tobago.

Wicketkeeper batsman Nicholas Pooran moved three spots to break into the top 10 after scores of 65 not out, 19 and 35 across the three games. The aggressive left-hander is now the Caribbean side’s highest-ranked batsman in the format, overtaking the injured Brandon King, who slipped one place down to 10 after he sat out the series.

Johnson Charles, who also didn’t feature in the series, also slipped one place down to 11^th, while West Indies captain Rovman Powell stood still at number 34.

Shai Hope continues to prove his worth in the games shortest format, as his scores of 51, 41, and an unbeaten 42 saw him jump 32 places up to 40th, overtaking out-of-favour Kyle Mayers, who slipped three spots down to 42^nd as the next West Indies players in the top 50.

Despite the loss, South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks also made gains, as he moved up to 13^th position.

In the bowling rankings, West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein of moved up four places to second position after taking four wickets in three matches. He was joined by fellow left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who moved 10 slots up to third, while Romario Shepherd moved 13 spots up to 31st position.

Alzarri Joseph, who slipped four spots to 15^th, Jason Holder (44^th) and left-arm seamer Obed McCoy (50^th) are the other West Indies bowlers in the top 50.

Meanwhile, England batter Harry Brook moved up to fourth position, while Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Rizwan have reached career-best positions in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings after their fine performances over the past week.

Brook’s scores of 56 and 32 in the first match of their ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka in Manchester lifted him three places to fourth position, just one adrift of his career-best third position attained following his second-innings century against the West Indies at Trent Bridge last month.

Bangladesh batter Mushfiq’s match-winning 191 in the first Test of the WTC series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi has helped him advance seven places to a career-best-equalling 17^th position, while Pakistan’s Rizwan is in the top 10 for the first time after scores of 171 not out and 51.

Others to move up the Test rankings include Sri Lanka batters Dinesh Chandimal (up four places to 23^rd) and Kamindu Mendis (up eight places to 36^th), Bangladesh’s Liton Das (up two places to 27^th) and England’s Jamie Smith (up 22 places to 42^nd).

In the Test bowling rankings, England’s Chris Woakes is up four places to 16^th after taking three wickets each in both innings against Sri Lanka while Asitha Fernando is up 10 places to 17^th after also finishing with six wickets in the match.

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah (up four places to 33^rd), England’s new-ball bowler Gus Atkinson (up four places to 42^nd) and Matthew Potts (up five places to 57^th) are the prominent movers in the bowling rankings.

Kensington and Westmoreland have secured their spots in the final of the Kingston Wharves Under-15 Cricket Competition after delivering dominant performances in their respective semifinal matches on Tuesday. The two teams will meet in what promises to be an exciting final on Friday at the Ultimate Cricket Ground in Discovery Bay, St. Ann.

 Kensington, who have been eagerly awaiting their chance to claim the coveted Kingston Wharves U15 trophy, traveled to Jack’s River in St. Mary to face the defending champions from 2022. St. Mary, known for their strong performance in recent years, won the toss but struggled with the bat, managing only 74 runs before being bowled out in 34.4 overs. Marcodean Dunn top-scored with 23, while Leonardo Silvera and Akeem Palmer contributed 18 and 12 runs, respectively. Kensington’s bowlers were in top form, with Abraham Waugh taking three wickets for just six runs, Zachary Buchanan claiming three for nine, and Andrew Lloyd adding two wickets for 22 runs.

 In response, Kensington chased down the modest target with ease, finishing on 75 for one and winning the match by nine wickets. Zachary Buchanan led the charge with 28 runs, while Abraham Waugh added 24, and Rhys Williams chipped in with 10. Shavaughn Boyd was the lone wicket-taker for St. Mary, conceding 21 runs.

 Meanwhile, Westmoreland hosted Melbourne in Paradise for their semifinal, where they bowled out their opponents for a paltry 28 runs in a low-scoring affair. Despite being in formidable form throughout the tournament—evidenced by their record-breaking 365-run total in the quarterfinal—Westmoreland had to work hard for their victory, losing six wickets before finally reaching the target.

 With these results, Kensington and Westmoreland are set to face off in the final, with both teams eager to be crowned the new champions of the Kingston Wharves U15 Cricket Competition. The final is expected to be a thrilling contest, showcasing some of the best young cricketing talent in Jamaica.

 Immediately following the final, 24 standout players will be selected to begin preparations for next year’s regional championship, offering them the opportunity to further develop their skills and represent their country on a larger stage.

West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a 12-year career that saw him become one of the most feared pace bowlers in the Caribbean. Gabriel made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he gained while representing the West Indies on the global stage.

“During the past 12 years I have dedicated myself to playing international cricket for the West Indies,” Gabriel wrote. “Playing this beloved game at the highest level has brought me immense joy, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Today, I am announcing my retirement from international cricket.”

In his heartfelt message, Gabriel thanked God for the blessings he and his family received during his time playing for the West Indies. He also extended his appreciation to Cricket West Indies administrators, coaches, and staff members for their hard work and support over the years.

“Words cannot adequately convey the appreciation I have for your hard work and support,” he said. “Last but not least, I am grateful to my teammates and all those who have stood by me and supported me along the way. You have made my journey to the top truly special.”

Although retiring from international cricket, Gabriel plans to continue representing his country, club, and franchise teams around the world with the same passion he has shown throughout his career.

Gabriel, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, first garnered attention as part of the inaugural batch of players at the West Indies Cricket Board’s high-performance center in 2010. His early performances drew comparisons to a young Ian Bishop, and he quickly became a key figure in Trinidad & Tobago’s first-class attack. He won selection for the Champions League T20 in 2011 and claimed a maiden five-wicket haul against Barbados in the semi-final of the regional four-day competition in April 2012.

Gabriel’s Test debut came later that year during the West Indies’ tour of England. He made an immediate impact at Lord’s, taking four wickets, but a back injury cut his tour short. Despite the setback, Gabriel became a regular in the West Indies side, known for his role as a muscular enforcer. Some of his most memorable performances include a six-wicket haul against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2016 and a remarkable 9 for 92 in Bridgetown in 2017, which helped level the series for the West Indies.

Gabriel’s finest hour came in 2018 when he took 13 wickets against Sri Lanka in Gros Islet, though the match ended in a draw. However, his career was also marked by moments of frustration, including an infamous dismissal in Roseau in 2017 when, trying to save the game and the series against Pakistan, he swung wildly at a delivery, handing the match to Pakistan.

Over his 59-Test career, Gabriel took 166 wickets at an average of 32.21 and an economy rate of 3.42. He also played 25 One Day Internationals, claiming 33 wickets. He made his Test debut in May 2012 against England and last represented the West Indies in July 2023 against India.

 As Shannon Gabriel steps away from international cricket, his contributions to West Indies cricket will be remembered for his fiery pace, his ability to break partnerships, and his unwavering commitment to the team.

Jemimah Rodrigues lifted Trinbago Knight Riders into the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) final after a nerve-jangling four-wicket victory over Barbados Royals at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. Chasing 131 for a place in Thursday's final, Knight Riders were in big trouble at 43-3 before Rodrigues stepped up with an unbeaten 59 off 50 balls.

The Knight Riders needed six runs off the final over, but a calm Rodrigues hit Hayley Matthews for a boundary on the third delivery before a single on the next ball ensured their title dreams remained alive. In what turned out to be a dress rehearsal for the final, Knight Riders were 43-3 but capitalized on sloppy fielding from Royals. Rodrigues received a life on 43 when Djenaba Joseph fumbled at short fine leg.

The Knight Riders' attack had struggled in the tournament, but bowled superbly in the PowerPlay to tear into the Royals' top-order. Opener Chamari Athapaththu spearheaded a recovery with 70 off 63 to lift Royals to 130-7 but it ultimately wasn't enough.

Royals had already clinched a place in the final after winning their opening three matches. But it was high stakes for Knight Riders, who entered the match sitting behind Guyana Amazon Warriors on net run rate. Play was slightly delayed due to rain and the Knight Riders were desperate to make the most of the favourable bowling conditions after winning the toss.

Seamer Shikha Pandey enjoyed the perfect start after nicking off Matthews in the first over with a full delivery that moved late.

Qiana Joseph lived dangerously and rode her luck after being dropped by Jess Jonassen at mid-off. But Joseph's risky innings soon ended when she bottom edged a wild slash off Shamilia Connell, whose spectacular debut for Knight Riders continued when she clean bowled Aaliyah Alleyne for a duck.

Athapaththu held the innings together, but could not getting going as Royals fell into a lull. The frustrations led to Rashada Williams being dismissed by spinner Samara Ramnath in the 12th over as Royals turned to big-hitter Laura Harris for a spark. But she holed out first ball leaving the burden on Athapaththu, who accelerated late as Royals finished with momentum.

Knight Riders started their chase disastrously with the early wickets of Harshitha Samarawickrama and captain Deandra Dottin. Jonassen attempted a rally, but she was run out on the last ball of the powerplay. Rodrigues and Kycia Knight cleverly worked into gaps, but struggled to hit boundaries. Knight unleashed only for Naijanni Cumberbatch to take a brilliant catch running in from the boundary.

But Rodrigues hit a boundary in the penultimate over and kept her composure as the Knight Riders celebrated their place in the final with gusto.

Roston Chase insisted that allowing his West Indies team to play their natural game was crucial in securing an emphatic series win over South Africa. 

In a rain-affected third T20I on Tuesday, the Windies emerged victors by eight wickets as they chased down the Proteas revised 108 run target in just 9.2 overs. 

The visitors reached 23 runs without loss before play was stopped at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, with Tristan Stubbs scoring 40 runs from 15 balls upon play resuming.

Aiden Markram (20) and Reeza Hendricks (27) also contributed to South Africa's total, with Romario Shepherd ending with figures of 2-14 for the Windies. 

Despite the early loss of Alick Athanaze (one) after just the fourth ball, Shai Hope (42) and Nicholas Pooran (35) handed the hosts the advantage. 

Shimron Hetmyer's 31 from 17 balls secured the triumph, with West Indies captain Chase pleased with his team-mates playing their natural game in the shorter format.

"It was a good one [leading this time]. We wanted to win the series 3-0. I just asked the boys to give me victory because you want to start well," Chase said. 

"The powerplay, we were doing well. I just thought that today the guys came out and applied pressure early.

"In a shortened game, we want guys to go and play their natural game. Guys came out and played brilliantly."

Shepherd was named the man of the match with his impressive bowling display, securing the wickets of Ryan Rickelton (27) and Markram. 

The 29-year-old was not part of the Windies squad for the T20 World Cup in June, but was happy to exact their three-wicket defeat against the Proteas at the tournament.

"It's just about sticking to the process. Today was quite difficult because of the wet ball. The wicket was sticky," Shepherd said. 

"I think I'm 70% there. You are never 100% in T20 cricket. To come and clean sweep the team which knocked us out of the World Cup was great."

Hosts West Indies secured a 3-0 series sweep over visiting South Africa with an eight-wicket victory in a rain-affected third T20 International at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba on Tuesday.

In the match that was shortened to 13 overs per side, the West Indians restricted to South Africa to 108-4 from their 13 overs thanks to an excellent 2-14 from two overs for man-of-the-match Romario Shepherd.

Tristan Stubbs was the main scorer for South Africa with 40 from 15 balls including five fours and three sixes while Ryan Rickelton made 27 off 24 balls at the top of the innings.

Chasing a revised target of 116 in their 13 overs, the hosts made light work of it, using only 9.2 overs to secure the win and the series sweep.

Man-of-the-series Shai Hope led the way with 42* off 24 balls while Nicholas Pooran continued the excellent form he’s shown in the last few months all over the world with 35 off just 13 balls including two fours and four sixes.

Shimron Hetmyer also looked good for his 31* off 17 balls.

Defending champions Fairfield United retained the SDC National Community T20 Cricket title in a low scoring final against Links United at Chedwin Park on Sunday, August 25th. 

After losing the toss and being invited to bat, Fairfield United managed only 147 runs when their innings came to an end with 3 balls remaining in the innings. However, the reigning champions were not prepared to go down without a fight and managed to restrict Links United to 117 all out to win by 30 runs and take the trophy back to Manchester for the third time overall. 

Leighton Leslie, player and manager of Fairfield United said that his team was never worried about retaining their title despite putting less than their targeted total on the board.

“We had a target in mind of 180, however we fell short. But as usual, we back our bowling. We have one of the better bowling (attacks) in this complete competition and after getting the 147, we knew that we were going to defend it. If they were going to get it, they would have to go to the last ball. So, at no point we were fretting or worried about the total that we got,” he said. 

Leslie noted that the team had to overcome early season difficulties from which they learned as the season progressed. 

“We had a rough start in this competition. We almost didn’t make it to the parish stages, but we got a lifeline and from there on, we have just been playing more disciplined cricket,” he noted. 

Leslie hinted at continued success for Fairfield United based on the composition of his squad.

“We have a lot of youngsters in our programme. We have a good crop of youngsters coming up.”

He was also impressed with the preparation of the grounds for the finals, thanks in part to sponsors such as Wray & Nephew. 

“When I came to the cricket ground and looked at it closely, I must say it is at international standard. I must say this competition is well put together and it’s a joy to win it back-to-back. 

During their time at bat, Jamaine Morgan got Fairfield off to a flier but fell to the penultimate ball of the second over with the score at 20/1, amassing 15 runs off 10 deliveries. 

A second wicket stand of 37 runs between Javed Williams and Zidane Gordon pushed the score along to 57 in the 8th over before Gordon departed for a quick fire 25 off 20 deliveries. Williams was next to go at 65/3 in the 9th over as the Links United skipper captured two wickets for 35 runs from his spell of four overs. 

Fairfield tried to push the score along, but Tevin Gilzene stymied the run chase as the chief wicket taker for Links United put the brakes on the defending champions when he snapped up the next five wickets to fall in the middle overs to end with figures of 5 for 19 off his 4 overs. 

Roshawn McKenzie was the only batsman of the last four wickets to get into double figures as he made 16 runs from 13 deliveries before he went caught off the bowling of Amoi Campbell. 

Links United got off to the worst possible start in their quest for 148 runs to win when they lost their first wicket off the third ball of the innings with the score at 4/1. Damion Bryce returned to the pavilion, caught by Jamaine Morgan off the bowling of Romario Marshall.

Tevin Gilzene, who had been magical with the ball, tried to replicate the performance with the bat, but he went for 19 runs, of 8 deliveries at 39/2 in the 4th over. 

Things were still within reach for Links at that stage, but a steady stream of wickets from the 4th to the 7th over, saw them slip from 39/2 to 64/6 due to injudicious shots from the batsmen coupled with good fielding from the defending champions. 

A brief recovery saw Links get beyond the 100-run mark for the loss of just one more wicket, but two wickets in two balls to end the 13th over and start the 14th over saw them reduced to 106/9 which left the defending champions on the verge of a repeat victory.

Roshawn McKenzie then completed the final rites when he bowled Nashawn Campbell for 4 runs with the second ball of the 16th over to leave Links United all out for 117 runs. McKenzie ended with figures of 2 wickets for 10 runs from 2.2 overs while Richard Thomas with 4 for 17 from 4 overs was the pick of the bowlers for Fairfield. 

Kerry-Ann Bryan, Brand Manager of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum could not hide her excitement after watching an engaging and exciting final.

“It’s been a pleasure to be here with you at Chedwin Park, where we come together to celebrate not just a game but a tradition that runs deep in the heart of our nation. Cricket, like Wray & Nephew, has a longstanding tradition in Jamaica and it is synonymous with passion. It’s not just a sport; it’s a way of life. A good cricketer plays with heart, not just skill, bringing a level of energy and enthusiasm that inspires everyone around them,” Bryan remarked.

“The game isn’t for individual glory; it’s about teamwork and community. A good cricketer knows that the success of the team comes first. They play for something bigger than themselves, representing their community, their culture, and their shared values,” she continued.

Earlier in the afternoon, Angel’s defeated Bushy Park by eight wickets to win the Masters title. 

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has appointed Nyssa Pierre as its new Communications and Media Manager.

It was announced on Tuesday.

Pierre, Trinidad & Tobago national, holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Spanish from York University in Canada, Executive Diplomas in Protocol & Soft Diplomacy from the ISPD in Belgium, and a Graduate Certificate in Destination Marketing from Temple University in the USA.

She is highly qualified, with 15 years in regional and international strategic communications and public relations roles. She has worked with some of the Caribbean's most recognisable brands and personalities, developing and executing branding and communication strategies, creating compelling content, and organising high-visibility events.

Pierre’s expertise includes crisis communication, government communication, and sports, where she has collaborated with current and former West Indies players, cricket leagues, Olympians, and state sports agencies.

CWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, welcomed Pierre to the organisation.

“We are delighted that Nyssa Pierre will join us as our new Communications and Media Manager. Her appointment followed a transparent and competitive recruitment process, and she is the ideal person to take up this crucial role. Nyssa is an experienced senior communications professional, and we look forward to her playing an active role in our management team,” he said.

Pierre also expressed her delight at being on board.

“My career in communications spans several industries, including corporate, aviation, international development, and government advisory, but I always seem to make it back home to sport. I am honoured to be tasked with telling the stories of West Indian passion, excitement, and determination through our most unifying pastime. Win, lose, or draw – we are the incomparable West Indies, and I am excited to rally as only we can,” she declared.

Pierre will officially join CWI in September and will be based at the CWI headquarters at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), Antigua.

Jonny Bairstow must recapture his pre-injury form if he is to regain his place in the England white-ball set-up.

That is according to England's chief selector, Luke Wright, following the decision to leave Bairstow out of the squad to face Australia in a limited-overs series next month.

Bairstow has missed out on England's first white-ball series since the T20 World Cup, with fellow veteran campaigners Chris Jordan and Moeen Ali also left out.

But Wright says the door remains open for Bairstow, if the 34-year-old can play his way back into the form he showed before sustaining a broken leg while golfing in 2022.

"One of Jonny's great strengths is how much he wants to play," said Wright. "He's hugely disappointed.

"We just want him back to being one of the best players in the world. He had that horrific injury, and that’s been the message. Can we get you back to where you were pre-injury?

"He understands that. He doesn’t like it. One thing Jonny will do is fight back, and I hope he does and gets himself back in the team."

Wright is hoping the refreshing of England's squad in the wake of their T20 World Cup disappointment helps spur Jos Buttler's team on, with coach Matthew Mott having also left after that tournament.

"The one thing we don't lack in England is the amount of talent that's around," Wright said.

"More than anything, the character these young players show in taking the game on.

"What a great time to be in English cricket."

England's Test team, meanwhile, have made one alteration to the team that featured in the first match against Sri Lanka, ahead of the second contest of the series, with Olly Stone replacing the injured Mark Wood.