Rising Stars T20: Jamaica outclassed by the USA

Jamaica's Under-19 Women were no match for a well-oiled United States (USA) team who came away with a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the opening match of the 2022 Cricket West Indies Rising Stars T20 tournament at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Trinidad & Tobago yesterday.

Asked to take the first strike on a damp BLCA surface, the Jamaicans were restricted to a mere 49 for five in their allotted 20 overs, with Gabrielle Bryan being the only batter to get to double figures following her 12 not out.

Bryan used up all of 30 balls to get those runs, as she managed to eke out one four during her knock. Judeen Ebanks was also left unbeaten, as she managed to get five runs with one four after facing 32 balls.

Number three batter Breanna Gordon got eight runs from 27 balls before she was run out by Snigdha Paul who also claimed the opening wicket of Tasha Gaye Gordon for a second-ball duck.

In reply, the Shivnarine Chanderpaul-coached USA team lost a couple of wickets, as Kate Wilmott bowled Disha Dhinga for four after which Kade Wilmott bowled Tyra Gonsalves for one to leave the USA on 23 for two.

Brianna Plummer then had Laasya Mullapudi caught for eight to leave the Americans on 42 for three. However, Anika Kolan with 11 not out and Isani Vaghela nine not out, saw the USA to victory at 53 for three in 11.2 overs.

Coach of the Jamaica team, Carl Brissett, said nerves got the better of most of the young ladies who were getting their first taste of action at this level.

"Only four of our girls have played at this level before and the rest were playing their first competitive cricket match ever. Junior Bennett and I went around the island before the tournament and recruited the best talent on the island, and so most of them never played in a competitive match before, but come the next game I believe we will fare better."

The young Jamaicans will next face off with Guyana on Friday at the same venue with the Guyanese team opening their campaign with a nine-wicket win over Barbados at the Diego Martin Sports Complex.

Barbados first made 62 for three after which Guyana replied with 63 for one.