ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board has heaped praise on the West Indies Women’s team for their double-series success over India Women.
Windies Women completed a three-wicket victory in the third and final One-Day International on Sunday at Warner Park in St. Kitts to wrap up a 2-1 series victory over the Indians. Merissa Aguilleira’s side also won the preceding Twenty20 International series over the visitors 3-2.
"Our women’s team continues to make the region proud at the rate with which they have improved and the success they enjoy," said WICB President Dr. Julian Hunte.
"The WICB is pleased that the growing emphasis it has placed on the women’s team is bearing fruit and we look forward to them keeping the flag flying high."
Dr. Hunte said the victory over India Women was a welcomed morale boost for the Windies Women, considering two major tournaments which have been targetted – the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Championship this September in Sri Lanka and next year’s ICC Women’s World Cup in India.
Prior to this series, Windies Women were ranked fifth in ODIs – two places behind India – and were tied with the Indians for third place in the T20 rankings.
"For them to have played so competitively, speaks volumes, and Merissa and her side should feel proud of this achievement," said Dr. Hunte.
"Put together with the string of recent results, and with good preparation, we expect them to be one of the side’s seriously challenging for the World T20 title later this year."
Dr. Hunte singled out 20-year-old all-rounder Stafanie Taylor for special praise. She was named Player-of-the-Series for both the T20I and ODI series.
"During the series, Stafanie consolidated her status as the No.1 female all-rounder in the game, which was one of her goals prior to the series," said Dr. Hunte.
"She remains a tower of strength and we urge her to continue working hard, as she strives to become one of the all-time greats in the women’s game."
The Windies Women’s players are all now expected to be part of the Regional Women’s Twenty20 Tournament, which will be played in Jamaica later this year.
The directors of the WICB at a recent meeting approved that the format of the annual regional women’s tournament will switch between Twenty20 and 50 overs-a-side to reflect the upcoming ICC Women’s tournament.
The next important series for Windies Women will be a one-week visit to England, where they will play five T20Is in their final preparation for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Championship.