KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The CWI Rising Stars U15 bilateral series got off to a thrilling start on Sunday, as Trinidad & Tobago snatched a dramatic two-wicket victory over hosts Jamaica via the DLS method, while the Windward Islands secured a commanding 51-run win over the Leeward Islands.
At the Melbourne Cricket Club in Kingston, a rain-soaked contest came down to the wire. After overnight showers and further interruptions reduced the match to 34 overs per side, Jamaica captain Zachary Buchanan won the toss and opted to bat.
However, the home side never found its rhythm against a disciplined T&T bowling attack, limping to 96 for 9. Buchanan top-scored with a gritty 20, while Jermari Bryce (17), Jayden Shaw (14), and Rajae McGeachy (14) offered brief resistance.
But seamer K’Hill Thomas ran through the lineup with impressive figures of 4 for 14, backed by Arnaldo Premchand’s 3 for 25.
A disastrous middle-order collapse saw Jamaica lose three wickets for no runs, slumping to 60 for 6 before Buchanan’s late cameo provided a semblance of respectability.
Chasing a modest 97, Trinidad & Tobago’s reply was equally nerve-jangling. The visitors stumbled to 8 for 2, then 14 for 3, as Jamaica’s Najai Wright (2-18) and Ranjay Thomas (2-23) applied relentless pressure. Two self-inflicted run outs only deepened T&T’s woes.
K’Hill Thomas continued his all-round heroics, top-scoring with 21 to steady the innings, while Samir Boodoo (16) and Keshav Mongru (14) inched the side closer.
But when T&T slipped to 79 for 8, the match hung in the balance. With tension at its peak, wicketkeeper Christaino Beharry stepped up and smashed a decisive six to carry his side to 102 for 8, sealing a remarkable victory.
At Coolidge, Antigua: The Windward Islands produced a well-rounded performance to defeat the Leeward Islands by 51 runs.
Batting first, the Windwards posted 128 all out in 31 overs, led by Dylan John’s unbeaten 37 and Alex Armstrong’s 32. Ryan Marchan was the pick of the Leewards bowlers with outstanding figures of 5 for 46.
In reply, the Leewards crumbled to 77 all out in 32.2 overs, with Jershuan Joseph claiming 3 for 35 to seal the win.
At Lusignan, Guyana: The opening match of the bilateral series between Guyana and Barbados was abandoned without a ball being bowled, as persistent rainfall along the coastline continued to saturate the outfield at the Lusignan Sports Club Ground.
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