ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that the West Indies Under-19 Women’s team will compete in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from 18 January to 2 February 2025.
This landmark event signals a significant step forward for women’s cricket in the Caribbean, providing young talents with the opportunity to shine on the global stage. The team will face some of the best emerging players in the world as they aim to establish their presence in international cricket.
At a recent jersey presentation ceremony, team captain Samara Ramnath and vice-captain Asabi Callender were officially handed their kits, symbolising their readiness to lead the team in this historic competition.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed immense pride in the squad, stating:
“We are proud to announce our Under-19 Women’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2025, which represents the future of West Indies cricket. Captain Samara Ramnath and Vice-Captain Asabi Callender will lead a talented group of young players who have shown tremendous potential throughout our development programmes. We believe this squad exemplifies the emerging strength of women’s cricket in the Caribbean.”
He added, “The inclusion of players from across the region demonstrates our commitment to nurturing talent from all our territories. We are confident they can compete at the highest level while gaining valuable international experience. The future of West Indies women’s cricket looks bright with these promising young athletes.”
The tournament will feature 16 teams, with matches held at various venues across Malaysia. Teams qualified through previous competitions, with hosts Malaysia securing their spot automatically. Notably, Samoa will be making their first appearance at a World Cup across any age group, while Malaysia will debut at the Under-19 Women’s level.
The West Indies team has undergone rigorous preparation, including training camps at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and tours throughout the year. Head Coach Robert Samuels expressed his confidence in the squad’s readiness:
“Our young players have shown tremendous dedication and improvement during their preparation. We are confident that they will represent the West Indies with pride and demonstrate the bright future of women’s cricket in our region.”
The tournament format will see the 16 teams divided into four groups of four, with the West Indies drawn in Group A, alongside India, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia. The group phase will run from 19 to 23 January, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super 6 phase, held from 25 to 29 January.
The Super 6 groups will combine teams based on their standings in the group stage. For example, if the West Indies finish top of Group A, they will play the second and third-placed teams from Group D. Points and net run rates from the group stage will carry over to the Super 6 phase.
The top two teams from each Super 6 group will advance to the semi-finals on 31 January, with the final scheduled for 2 February at the Bayuemas Oval, a 3,000-seat venue.
Ahead of the tournament, the team will depart for Malaysia on 1 January for a pre-tournament camp running from 5 to 10 January. They will play warm-up matches against Nepal on 13 January and New Zealand on 15 January to fine-tune their preparations.
West Indies Under 19 Women’s Squad:
- Samara Ramnath (Captain)
- Asabi Callender (Vice-Captain)
- Abigail Bryce
- Kenika Cassar
- Jahzara Claxton
- Denella Creese
- NaiJanni Cumberbatch
- Erin Deane
- Amiah Gilbert
- Trisha Hardat
- Brianna Harricharan
- Amrita Ramtahal
- Selena Ross
- Kristen Sutherland
- Aaliyah Weekes
Reserves:
- Dicoreya Collymore
- Krisanne Howell
- Aneisha Miller
- Danielle Manns
- Laurene Williams
Team Management Unit:
- Head Coach: Robert Samuels
- Assistant Coaches: Shane Brooks, Tremayne Smart
- Physiotherapist: Ashley Stephens
- Strength & Conditioning Coach: Yvonne Arthur
- Team Manager: Merissa Aguillera
- Team Doctor: Dr Joanne Ragoonanan
Group Stage Fixtures:
- 19 January: West Indies vs India
- 20 January: West Indies vs Sri Lanka
- 25 January: West Indies vs Malaysia
