In a riveting contest at the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under 19 Tournament, the Leeward Islands Women’s Under 19 team secured a spot in Saturday’s final against Guyana. They emerged victorious over Jamaica by seven runs, thanks to the Duckworth/Lewis Method.

The Leeward Islands, batting first, set a formidable target of 124 for five in their 20 overs – their highest score of the tournament. Captain Jahzara Claxton spearheaded the batting effort with 29 runs, well-supported by Saivani Kambalapalli and Kimberley Anthony, who contributed 22 and 20 runs respectively. Jamaica’s bowlers put up a fight, with Brianna Palmer, Aneisha Miller, and Abigail Bryce each taking two wickets.

Jamaica’s response started poorly, losing both openers cheaply. Claxton and Aaliyah Weekes struck early, reducing Jamaica to 6 for 2 in just two overs. A resilient 30-run partnership briefly steadied Jamaica’s innings before Kambalapalli’s leg spin broke through.