Georgetown, Guyana – Barbados recorded an easy nine-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago on Monday to clinch the West Indies Cricket Board’s Under-19 50-over title.
Fast bowler Justin Greaves took five wickets in a superb spell at the bottom of the T&T innings as they made 193 off 48.4 overs on a flat pitch at the Demerara Cricket Club. In reply, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Jonathan Drakes added a tournament-high partnership of 150 in 35 overs. Barbados ended on 194 for one off 42.4 overs.
It was the fifth consecutive win for the Bajans as they showcased their allround strength. Barbados topped the six-team table with 26.8 points, followed by Trinidad and Tobago on 15.9 points. Windward Islands were third on 13.4 points as they ended with a thrilling tie against Guyana at Bourda on Monday.
The other victories for Barbados were: by 63 runs over Windward Islands; by nine wickets over Jamaica; by eight wickets after bowling out Guyana for 74; and by five wickets against Leeward Islands.
Speaking after the team received the trophy, Coach Dexter Toppin said he was happy with the commitment and focus demonstrated by the players throughout the four weeks of competition in Guyana.
“This is a richly-deserved victory for these young men. We are a very happy team today. To come here and win all five matches, all in convincing fashion, shows the strength of the team and depth in the team. We were a bit disappointed when we lost to Jamaica in the three-day tournament, and you could say that match cost us the title, but we re-grouped and stuck to our plans in the one-dayers and we came out victorious,” Toppin said.
“We deserve to take something home with us. The lads played with great confidence and we were we led by Kraigg at the top. He led from the front and once he is batting well the team always does well. He stood out in the one-day tournament. Justin bowled really well and did all that was asked of him. He came into today’s match with a shoulder injury but was still able to give us a big effort and stood up for Barbados.”