West Indies World Cup Report: Highs and lows for talented group of U19s
Wins – 2
Losses – 3
Finishing position – Fifth in Super Six Group 2
A tournament that promised so much ended up petering out a little for West Indies.
The brilliance of Zaida James was on full display in the first group stage, with the all-rounder’s performances attracting the attention of the senior selectors.
But the Super Six stage was an indication that this is not a U19 set-up ready to mix it with the very best just yet.
Defeats to New Zealand and England were understandable and perhaps expected. But the loss to Rwanda will have really stung.
VIEW FROM THE GROUND
Sonali Dhulap was part of the ICC’s team on the ground in South Africa, and had this to say about her experiences working with and alongside the squad:
"One thing every team from West Indies knows how to do is have fun. And this side was the same. Their celebrations, their energy, were palpable.
"One could see glimpses of talent within this team and they offered some entertaining moments on the field, but I believe they could have done so much better. They might have ended in the bottom half, but it always looked like they were enjoying the experience.
"I was staying in the same hotel as them in the second half of the tournament and the corridors would always ring with their laughter and games. It was a joyful environment to be in."
STAR PERFORMER – Zaida James
There was little doubt as to the best performer for West Indies at the tournament.
All-rounder Zaida James was a revelation, scoring 124 runs at an average of 24.8, and bagging six wickets.
She led the way with both bat and ball in her team’s tournament statistics, and was subsequently capped for the first time by the senior West Indies women’s team immediately after the tournament.
WHAT THE MENTOR SAID
West Indies spinner and ICC Mentor Anisa Mohammed worked with the West Indies squad at the tournament.
“I think this is a very good initiative to have mentors here with these teams.
“Some of these players have never played in front of a camera, never played in front of a crowd. To have us there helping them learn what it’s about, many of the players have benefitted from it. And for us it’s great to give something back.
“I think West Indies have great talent. (Djenaba) Joseph, (Shalini) Samaroo, the captain (Ashmini) Munisar – once the world has seen these top players they might even get chances in franchises soon.”
RESULTS
Ireland – Won by 7 runs
Indonesia – Won by 77 runs
New Zealand – Lost by 10 wickets
Rwanda – Lost by 4 wickets
England – Lost by 95 runs
