Saint Lucian allrounder Qiana Joseph will line up for the Barbados Tridents once more in this year’s Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), September 5-17 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. But she warmed up for that assignment with a star turn in the US over the past week.
Joseph, 25, was an international player for the Redmond Raptors in the Seattle Orcas Women’s T20 Exhibition event. The Orcas compete in Major League Cricket (MLC), and their exhibition event included three teams, mainly comprising players from the US.
Despite suffering from an illness that forced her out of Match #5, the Gros Islet native delivered several clutch moments. She took four wickets with her left-arm orthodox spin, at an economy rate of 5.50 runs per over. She was named player of the game for her 54 runs off 41 balls in Match #5, hitting seven fours and two sixes in an eight-wicket win over Bellevue Blazers.Â
“I have the flu, but I’m feeling much better today. So today, I just wanted to put up my hand and bat as long as possible, bring the game as close as possible for my team and come out victorious on the day,” said Joseph. “I was just playing every ball on its merit. Back myself, back my ability, my skills, and my strength also.”
The West Indies veteran noted that this was her first time visiting the west coast of the US. She praised the organisers of the inaugural competition, which also included three other players from the Caribbean region.
“It’s a great initiative. For me, it’s the first time coming all the way to Seattle, and it’s a great experience,” she said. “I really wish to come back again next year and more again. I love the tournament. I wish it gets bigger and better every year.”
The “home” side, Washington Waves, lifted the tournament title on Sunday, August 23. They defeated the Bellevue Blazers at Fairfield County Park in Monroe, Washington.
