The Windward Islands began their 2026 Cricket West Indies Under-19 Rising Stars Men’s 50-Over Championship with a high-scoring match against Barbados in Antigua & Barbuda, but ultimately came up short.
The Windwards chased a big target of 393 at the Bethesda Sports Ground, with Saint Lucian batters Theo Edward and Tyler Venner both scoring half-centuries. However, they lost wickets often and finished 114 runs behind Barbados.
Opting to bat, Barbados got off to a rough start, losing their first wicket with three runs on the board. But a century partnership ensued between captain Gadson Bowens and Jordan Graham, carrying them to a strong position. Kelani Clarke and Kemar Dixon then added 78 together. And R’Jai Gittens smashed 49 off 16 balls to help Barbados to 392-9.
Extras contributed 32, while Aiden Burton stood out as the best bowler for Windwards with 3 for 36 from 10 overs. Kevin Joseph captured 2-51 from 10.
The Windwards lost early wickets, with Derwin Lewis out for four and West Indies Under-19 player Earsinho Fontaine out for three. Captain Edward and Aiden Burton then tried to steady the innings.
Edward and Burton put on 139 runs in 23 overs, giving the Windwards a solid run rate of 6.15 just past halfway. However, both were dismissed at the same score, followed by Johnathan Daniel and Zach Thomas, who were both out without scoring.
A rearguard effort from Venner, who hit an unbeaten 71 from 62 balls, proved insufficient. The Windwards will look to bounce back on Monday when they face Trinidad & Tobago at Coolidge.
