West Indies Women’s team continued their preparation for the upcoming tour of South Africa with a comprehensive 57-run win over the Banks CC Invitational XI yesterday.
The Windies made 130-9 from 40 overs and then bowled well and fielded brilliantly to dismiss the opponents for 73 off 22.3 overs at the Banks Brewery Ground, in St Michael. The home side was made up of several members of the Barbados Women’s team as well as male members of the Banks club.
The day’s leading performers were left-handed allrounder Shanel Daley, who took 3-10 after batting sensibly to stabilise the innings; and off-spinner Anisa Mohammed, who took 3-6 from 5.3 overs. There were also two run outs, thanks to the alertness of wicket-keeper Shemaine Campbell, as well as two superb catches by Stacy-Ann King in the outfield.
Earlier in the day, experienced opener Juliana Nero top-scored with 23, while teenager Campbell batted patiently to make 21. Daley batted at the top of the order and made 13 runs in 45 minutes at the crease to prevent a top-order slide.
After the match, the 21-year-old Daley said she was happy with her effort, and noted that she was growing in confidence ahead of the ICC’s Women’s Challenge Tournament, to be played in Potchefstroom, South Africa next month.
“We did not bat that well early on today. However, we pulled it together and fielded brilliantly. The bowlers then made sure that we took care of business. Overall the preparations have been going well as we look ahead to the tour of South Africa, which will be very important for all of us.”
Daley, whose father Aaron was a Jamaica allrounder in the 1980s, is a versatile player. She can bowl left-arm spin or left-arm medium-pace and is a reliable batter.
The Windies will have their third and final warm-up match today against Combermere School at the Banks Brewery Ground, from 10 a.m. (PR)
