Source: Antigua News Room
Antigua and Barbuda have successfully defended their title, emerging undefeated in the 2024 Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) 50 Overs Tournament. The team secured the trophy once again with four consecutive wins, showcasing their dominance throughout the competition.
Topping the points table with 16 points and an impressive net run rate of 1.396, Antigua and Barbuda stood clear of St. Kitts Senior Men in second place with 12 points and Anguilla Senior Men in third with 8 points. The final match against St. Kitts saw Antigua and Barbuda post a formidable score of 314 runs for 8 wickets, setting a challenging target of 315. Despite a valiant century by Jaleel Clarke, St. Kitts fell short by 14 runs, giving Antigua and Barbuda the victory.
Kadeem Henry emerged as the Player of the Day with an outstanding all-round performance. Making his debut for Antigua and Barbuda, Henry not only anchored the team’s batting with a well-paced 78 but also played a pivotal role in turning the game with the ball. His dismissal of Clarke shifted the momentum, ultimately leading to St. Kitts’ first and only defeat of the tournament. Henry’s performance throughout the competition was remarkable, taking 10 wickets at an average of 12.2, with an economy rate of 5.08, while also scoring 155 runs at an average of 39.
The Leeward Islands Cricket Board praised Henry’s efforts, stating, “Playing in his debut competition for Antigua and Barbuda, the extremely talented Kadeem Henry was the difference between both sides in a crucial match between Antigua and Barbuda and hosts St. Kitts.”
In addition to Henry’s stellar showing, Jewel Andrew’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament also stood out. His selection to the West Indies ODI squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour further highlighted his contribution to the team. The Leeward Islands Cricket Board celebrated his achievement, saying, “Congratulations to Jewel Andrew for being selected to the West Indies 15-man ODI Squad that will be touring Sri Lanka. He joins fellow teammates of Leeward Islands Hurricanes like Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh Jr., and Keacy Carty. Well done Jewel!”
Antigua and Barbuda’s victory not only brought home the title but also strengthened their legacy as champions in the Leeward Islands cricketing scene.