**Windiescricket.com**
**ST JOHN’S, Antigua** – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is proud to announce the participation of the West Indies U19 Women’s team in the upcoming ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, 2025.
This exciting opportunity represents another significant milestone in the development of women’s cricket in the Caribbean as our rising stars prepare to compete against the world’s top emerging players on a global stage.
“We are proud to present our Under-19 Women’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2025, which embodies the future of West Indies cricket,” said a CWI representative. Captain Samara Ramnath and Vice-Captain Asabi Callender will lead a talented group of young players who have demonstrated tremendous potential throughout our development programs. We believe this squad exemplifies the growing strength of women’s cricket in the Caribbean.”
The representative added, “The inclusion of players from across the region highlights our commitment to nurturing talent from all territories. We are confident they will perform at the highest level while gaining valuable international experience. The future of West Indies women’s cricket is bright with these promising young athletes.”
The tournament will feature 16 teams from around the world, with matches scheduled at various venues in Malaysia. Teams qualified through their participation in the 2023 edition include Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies, while Malaysia earned automatic qualification as the host nation. Additionally, five nations—Nepal, Nigeria, Samoa, Scotland, and the United States—secured their spots through regional qualification tournaments. This will be the first World Cup appearance for Samoa at any age level, and it also marks Malaysia’s inaugural participation in the Under-19 Women’s World Cup.
The West Indies team has been preparing rigorously through specialised training camps at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, along with various tours throughout the year, to ensure readiness for this prestigious competition.
Head coach Robert Samuels expressed pride in their preparation, stating, “Our young players have shown tremendous dedication and improvement during their training. We are confident they will represent the West Indies with pride and showcase the bright future of women’s cricket in our region.”
The 16 teams have been divided into four groups of four. West Indies has been drawn in Group A alongside India, Sri Lanka, and the host nation, Malaysia. Following the group phase, scheduled from January 19 to 23, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super 6 phase, which will run from January 25 to 29.
Teams will carry forward their points and net run rates from the group phase and will play against the two teams from a different group that finished in different positions. For example, if West Indies finishes atop Group A, they will face the runners-up and second runners-up from Group D.
The top two teams from each Super 6 group will advance to the semifinals on January 31, with the final set to be held on February 2 at the Bayuemas Oval, which accommodates 3,000 spectators.
The 15-player squad, along with an additional five reserves, represents the best young female cricketing talent from the region. They will be led by Captain Samara Ramnath and Vice-Captain Asabi Callender. The team will depart for Malaysia on January 1 for a pre-tournament camp from January 5 to 10. Their tournament preparation will continue with two warm-up games: against Nepal on January 13 and against New Zealand on January 15, before their opening group stage match on January 19.
**West Indies Under-19 Women’s Squad:**
1. Samara Ramnath (Captain)
2. Asabi Callender (Vice-Captain)
3. Abigail Bryce
4. Kenika Cassar
5. Jahzara Claxton
6. Denella Creese
7. NaiJanni Cumberbatch
8. Erin Deane
9. Amiah Gilbert
10. Trisha Hardat
11. Brianna Harricharan
12. Amrita Ramtahal
13. Selena Ross
14. Kristen Sutherland
15. Aaliyah Weekes
**Reserves:**
1. Dicoreya Collymore
2. Krisanne Howell
3. Aneisha Miller
4. Danellie Manns
5. Laurene Williams
**Team Management:**
– Head Coach: Robert Samuels
– Assistant Coaches: Shane Brooks, Tremayne Smart
– Physiotherapist: Ashley Stephens
– Strength & Conditioning Coach: Yvonne Arthur
– Team Manager: Merissa Aguillera
– Team Doctor: Dr. Joanne Ragoonanan
**Group Stage Match Schedule:**
– January 19: West Indies vs. India
– January 20: West Indies vs Sri Lanka
– January 25: West Indies vs. Malaysia