The West Indies Under-19 Women exacted revenge on their USA counterparts as they triumphed by a 1-run margin on Tuesday after losing their first encounter of their five-match T20 International Series in Lauderhill, Florida.
USA captain Geetika Kodali won the toss and allowed the West Indies to have first strike. Vice-captain Shalini Samaroo persevered through disciplined bowling by the American bowlers and top-scored with 40 not out, ably supported by Asabi Callender with 20. The West Indies ended their innings on 100/4 at the end of their twenty overs. Bhumika Bhadiriraju was the best bowler for the Americans taking 2 wickets for 19 runs in her four overs.
The USA Women also found scoring difficult in their reply but benefitted from some wayward bowling by the West Indians with the innings extras aiding in taking the women closer to the target. Geetika Kodali top scored with 24 not out with some threatening boundaries scored nearing the end of the innings. However, superb bowling by medium-pacer KD Jazz Mitchell – including a double wicket maiden – together with some sharp run out opportunities seized, ensured the game would go towards a nail-biting finish. Needing 9 from the last 6 balls, the West Indians held their nerve and defeated the Americans by 1 run. The series is now tied at 1-1.
WEST INDIES U19 100/4 (20 overs)
Shalini Samaroo 40*
Asabi Callender 20
Zaida James 13
Bhumi Bhadriraju 2/19
Suhani Thadani 1/10
USA U19 99/8 (20 overs)
Geetika Kodali 24*
Snigdha Paul 13
Suhani Thadani 12
KD Jazz Mitchell 3/8
Asabi Callender 1/13
Shalini Samaroo 1/16
Result: West Indies U19 won by 1 run
Player of the Match: KD Jazz Mitchell
