There is no greater story of success in sports than one where a sportswoman who encounters deadly bouncers and googlies can still rise beyond these difficulties and carve out a successful career. But, more particularly, knowing the inherent gender inequality that exists in sports, the success achieved is even more memorable.
This is the story of 24-year-old West Indies senior cricketer Qiana Joseph.
Making her debut for the West Indies senior team at age 16 as one of the youngest debutant players in the world, Qiana emerged from humble beginnings in Monier, Gros Islet without any financial largesse that would predetermine her future.
She started with a dream of becoming a World Class Cricketer, nurtured from and by the Northern Cluster Grassroots Programme in Gros Islet under the stewardship of Coach Alton Crafton, Roseline Preville among others. During her youth cricket, Qiana dominated national and regional cricket, earning her a spot on the West Indies Cricket Senior Team for the 2016 World Cup.
When asked why she started to play cricket, Qiana responded: “I started out [with] a love and passion for the game, which was borne out of playing with my cousins and brothers on the road. When I also realised then that I was really talented it was because of Mr Charles, among others who spotted that talent and told me to consider taking it to the next level.
While Qiana commenced her career as a left arm fast bowler, there was a lengthened period when she was out of the West Indies setup. When asked about that time and how she was able to stay motivated, Qiana said: “I truly had to dig deep during that time and ask myself what I am willing to sacrifice and to do to get back on the West Indies team, and every single conceivable tactic in the world, I used it. I certainly worked harder, improved my work ethic, dominated local and regional cricket, and trusted in the Lord that he would ultimately lead me back home- that is playing for the region. I also had a lot of support from my coaches during that time, who stuck with me and told me to not give up, because I am young, and I have talent and potential.”
Qiana made a return to the West Indies team in September 2021, not only maintaining a positive mindset but changing fundamentally – from a left arm pace bowler to a left-arm spin bowler and has since taken a total of 16 wickets for the West Indies. But in recent times, she has been known primarily for her batting exploits. Qiana started off her career in ODI batting at number 11, and in her second T20I she batted at number 8.
But, now Qiana is the opening batter for the West Indies T20I team. She has scored 358 runs in 15 innings with 2 50’s and the highest being 63 earlier this year versus Bangladesh.
Asked about this new role, where she is essentially able to ‘beat ball’, Qiana said: “Honestly, I did not see it coming, I knew of my batting ability, and my exploits locally but I did not see it coming, but I embraced it, and it gives me so much honour and joy to start off the batting for the West Indies and have the freedom from the team to go out and play my aggressive game.”
She is thus known, similar to male counterparts Chris Gayle or even Johnson Charles, as one with brute power, strength and her batting style of ‘if you bowl in my arc, it is gone’. It was this which caused her most known success of batting England’s chances away from progressing to the World Cup semi final and powering the West Indies into the last four. The difference being that Qiana bludgeons her opponents- with a contagious smile, constant dance moves inspired by local music and constant laughter.
However, with the onslaught of franchise cricket in the recent years, inspired by the Indian Women’s Premier League, Qiana has gained more international exposure and success, as she has played a pivotal role in the success of the Barbados Royals, particularly in the 2022 season. In the most recent season, she was the third highest run scorer and wicket taker.
“I really enjoyed the comradery of the Royals, the coaching and playing environment, and it gives me the extra motivation when I engage with the fans to do my best for the team,” she notes.
“Honestly, I will just keep doing my best for the teams I play for, putting God first, staying focused on my goals of scoring more runs, taking more wickets, staying fit and I know that I can continue my work for the women in maroon,” Qiana said when asked what is next for her.
Writer: Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph
Rahym R. Augustin-Joseph is the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholar 2024-2025. He is a graduate of the UWI Cave Hill Campus with First Class Honours in Political Science & Law, and was the class valedictorian.
Best wishes Qiana! A well written article … you go Rahym 👏 👏 👏