Samara Ramnath spins, bats Trinidad and Tobago U-19s to victory

Samara Ramnath shone with the bat and ball to lead TT to a six-wicket victory over Windward Islands when round three of the West Indies Rising Stars Women’s U19 T20 Championship continued at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on July 9.

The off-spinner wreaked havoc with the ball and took a mesmerising three wickets for five runs from fours overs and was key to restricting the visitors to a paltry 60/9, batting first.

TT, defending champions, made light work of the target as opener Ramnath led the hosts to a victorious 61/4, with her top score of 28 not out.

When Windwards batted, they lost opener Cian Felix (five) and Jaeda Tyrell (golden duck) with 14 runs on the board. Natalia Phillip (19) and skipper Zaida James (17) added 17 runs to the total before the latter was bowled by a right-hand medium pacer Kenika Cassar, who was also instrumental with her haul of three wickets for 13 runs.

Phillip and James were their main contributors as the remaining batters fell for single-digit scores and Windwards stuttered to 60/9.

TT’s right-arm medium pacer Kirah Manpaul also snapped up two wickets for eight runs.

In reply, Ramnath started positively with the bat but her opening partner Katrin Ruben (five) perished early on. Secondary Schools’ Cricket League girls’ open title-winning captain Amrita Ramtahal contributed 14 before Jessica O’Rosco and Deliannys Espinoza departed without scoring.

The unbeaten Ramnath, however, and Brianna Harricharan (0 not out) guided TT home in 11.5 overs as they cruised to 61/4 after 11.5 overs.

This was TT’s second win in three matches.

In other round three games on July 9, Guyana U19s defeated Leeward Islands by two runs at Diego Martin Sporting Complex.

Guyana, batting first made 94/5 while Leewards were dismissed on 92, with two balls remaining. Leewards skipper Jahzara Claxton (52) scored this year’s first half century in a losing effort.

In their turn at the crease, Jamaica trumped Barbados by seven wickets at Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Grounds in St Augustine. Barbados were led to 91/1 after 20 overs but Jamaica responded strongly by getting to 94/3, with seven balls remaining.

Round four bowls off on July 11 with TT versus Barbados in Diego Martin, Jamaica against Leewards at Brian Lara Cricket Academy while Windwards face Guyana in St Augustine.