Rising Stars U17: Leeward Island triumph Guyana; Barbados crowned champs

Another set of disappointing batting performances by Guyana’s Windward Islands caused them to suffer their first defeat of the Cricket West Indies Rising (CWI) Stars Men’s Under-17 2-Day Championship against the Leeward Islands at the Inshan Ali Park.
Batting first, Guyana was restricted to 124 in 35.4 overs despite efforts from Dave Mohabir (32) and Shamar Apple (23). The Leewards’ bowlers made early inroads, with Jathan Edward leading the way with 4-35, supported by Tayari Tonge (2-8) and Kunal Tilokani (2-30).
The Leewards, in reply, secured a valuable first-innings lead when they closed on 154. Lawshorn Bergan’s unbeaten 38 anchored the innings, while Guyana’s seam attack kept the contest alive through disciplined spells from Parmeshwar Ram (3-23), Feaaz Baksh (3-47), and Navendra Sankar (2-26).

Trailing by 30 runs, Guyana faced another stern test in their second innings. Fast bowler Kasim Challenger struck three quick blows to leave the young Guyanese reeling at 33-3, a lead of just three runs with seven wickets in hand at the end of day one.
Shamar Apple and Adrian Hetmyer resumed day 2 at the crease for Guyana, but their resistance didn’t last long as Kunal Tilokani claimed both wickets. The young Guyanese batters continued to struggle and lost wickets at regular intervals; they were bowled out for 129 in 56.2 overs. Jathan Edward and Kasim Challenger both picked up 3 wickets each.
Needing 100 runs for victory, Tanez Francis played a captain’s innings, scoring 64 from 81 balls. Kunal Tilokani scored 22 to guide the Leeward Islands to an eight-wicket victory, reaching 103 for 2.
Barbados completely outplayed the Windward Islands to be crowned champions. Batting first, the Windward Islands was dismantled for 91 all out. Justin Parris picked up 5 wickets. In reply, Barbados posted a total of 195 for 9d. Jordan Graham and Rapheal Lovell both top-scored with 46. Aravinda Bishop bowled well for the Windward, picking up 6 wickets. Parris again was brilliant as Windward were bowled out for 131 in their second innings. With 28 runs to win, Barbados easily walked to a 10-wicket victory, claiming their championship.