Kingstown, St. Vincent (CMC) — West Indies U-19 left-hander Steve Wedderburn spearheaded a vital recovery with a crucial half-century as Jamaica fought back against Barbados on the opening day of the U-19 Championship final in St Vincent on Saturday.
The defending champions, Jamaica, found themselves in early trouble at two for four in their first over, chasing Barbados’ first-innings declaration of 200 for nine. However, Wedderburn’s resilience turned the tide. He struck two fours and two sixes in a 68-ball knock, guiding Jamaica to 72-2 at the close of play at Arnos Vale Stadium.
Wedderburn shared a key third-wicket partnership of 68 runs with Matthew Morgan, whose patient 28 off 72 balls included two fours and a six. This stand stabilized the innings after an explosive new-ball spell from fast bowler Raneyko Smith disrupted Jamaica’s top order.
Smith, who earlier top-scored for Barbados with a precise fifty off 57 balls, also made significant contributions with the ball, claiming two for 16. His innings, which featured seven fours and a six, helped Barbados recover from a precarious 121 for seven. Smith added vital runs in lower-order partnerships with Jatario Prescod (18) and Byron King (12 not out), putting on 35 for the eighth wicket and 39 for the ninth wicket, respectively.
Nathan Seely also chipped in with a valuable 29 off 63 balls, including a 38-run sixth-wicket partnership with Prescod. Seamer Tamalee Redwood was the pick of the Jamaican bowlers, taking three for 61, including the crucial wicket of Smith after tea. Fast bowlers Michael Clarke and Jevaughn Winter supported with two wickets each, finishing with identical figures of 2-39.
In Jamaica’s response, Smith again made early inroads, dismissing West Indies under-19 batting star Adrian Weir for four and capturing the prized wicket of leading left-hander Jordan Johnson for a golden duck.
The match is set up for an exciting contest, with both teams demonstrating moments of brilliance on the opening day. Jamaica will look to build on Wedderburn’s platform, while Barbados aims to capitalize on their strong start with the ball.
