Naomi Ali scored a historic unbeaten century to lead North Zone Academy to a dominant 253-run victory over Moses Lendore Cricket Academy (MLCA) at St Mary’s College Grounds in the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket League (TTWCA) 30-over competition.
Batting first, North Zone piled up a record-breaking 297 for 3 in their allotted 25 overs—the highest total ever recorded by the women’s team.
At the heart of the innings was Ali, whose superb 130 not out marked several milestones: the first century of the 2026 season and the first ever hundred for the North Zone Academy women’s side.
Ali’s knock, built on composure and fitness in challenging conditions, was supported by Jessica Davis (37) and Kimora Daniel (36), as the batting unit executed their plan to perfection.
The MLCA bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Analia Holder (1/39), Aria Balroop (1/44), and Ashley Clarke (1/74) among the wickets.
In response, MLCA, who arrived with only nine players, faltered badly against a disciplined North Zone bowling attack, limping to 44 for 8 in 19.3 overs.
Christal McLeod top-scored with 16 but found little support as wickets fell regularly.
North Zone’s bowlers were clinical, with Sarah Panchu (2/1), Jessica Davis (2/5), and Freeda La Rosa (1/6) ensuring there was no way back for their opponents.
The win moves North Zone Academy to second place in the table, the first time the team has breached the top two in the competition.
Assistant coach Jessell George praised the team’s execution and discipline.
“I think we executed what was our main plan: win the toss, put a big score on the board—we did just that—and then came back and bowled well. That takes us to second place in the table with one round to go,” George said.
While acknowledging that the title may be out of reach, George was pleased with the team’s overall progress.
“We could maintain second place. It was an overall good performance throughout the season with four wins out of six, and that is satisfactory. The team has come a long way.”
He also pointed to the team’s transformation compared to last season.
“It is a big improvement. The girls trained hard in the off-season, and we came out with a different plan, executing based on conditions and opposition. We did our research and accomplished a lot this season.”
On Ali’s landmark innings, George added, “It was only a matter of time. She had a couple of fifties already this season, so it was only right she would get that hundred today.”
Ali, reflecting on her achievement, described the moment as deeply rewarding.
“It felt amazing. That was the goal, and I achieved it. I thank God for that, and I hope to have the strength to keep going,” she said.
The in-form batter has already set her sights higher. “The goal now is 150, please God.”
She also highlighted the physical and mental demands behind her success.
“It is not easy being out there in the hot sun. Most of it is running between the wickets, not just boundaries, so you have to be fit. Mentally, you have to stay calm and play every ball on its merit.”
Ali credited her parents and coaches, Kenroy Williams and her personal coach Lennox “Knocksie” Ryan, for their support and development.
Looking ahead, North Zone will face Brenda Solozano Cricket Academy in their final match, with George stressing the importance of maintaining intensity.
“The message is the same—no complacency. Don’t get lazy in the field or with the bat. Keep playing hard cricket, and we can only go from strength to strength.”
North Zone Academy is on 41 points, trailing only Bess Motors Marchin Patriots (66) in the points table.
With a record total, a historic century, and their biggest-ever win, North Zone Academy’s women have firmly stamped their authority on the 2026 season.
Summarized score: North Zone 297 for 3 in 25 overs (Naomi Ali 130 not out, Jessica Davis 37, Kimora Daniel 36; Analia Holder 1/39, Aria Balroop 1/44, Ashley Clarke 1/74) vs Moses Lendore Cricket Academy 44 for 8 in 19.3 overs (Christal McLeod 16, Aria Balroop 6; Sarah Panchu 2/1, Jessica Davis 2/5, Freeda La Rosa 1/6). North Zone Academy won by 253 runs.
