Barbados has emerged victorious in the 2026 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-19 Championship, securing their second consecutive title in a commanding performance against Jamaica. The final match, held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Liberta Sports Club in Antigua and Barbuda, saw Barbados decisively outplay their opponents by 116 runs.
Barbados Dominates the Final Showdown
The championship decider commenced with the Barbados team batting first, posting an impressive total of 320 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. This formidable score set a high bar for the Jamaican side. In response, Jamaica was bowled out for 204 runs in 43.5 overs, falling short by 116 runs and handing the championship trophy to Barbados.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Barbados U-19 men’s cricket team, as it represents their second consecutive championship win. The team’s consistent success underscores a strong developmental program and a deep pool of young talent.
Individual Brilliance and Team Contributions
Several players from the Barbados squad delivered standout performances in the final. Justin Paris was a key figure, scoring a century with 12 fours and a six. His impact extended beyond his batting, as he also claimed 5 wickets with his off-spin bowling, proving to be a true all-round asset.
Other significant contributions from the Barbados team included:
- Keliani Clarke: 48 runs from 71 balls
- Kemar Dixon: 48 runs from 71 balls
- R’Jai Gittens: 37 runs from 19 balls
- Rajeev Parsooram: 14 runs from 5 balls
These collective efforts were crucial in building the substantial total that ultimately proved too much for Jamaica to overcome.
Championship Overview and Historical Context
The 2026 CWI Rising Stars U-19 Championship was a two-week tournament organized by Cricket West Indies, running from Saturday, July 11, to Wednesday, July 22, 2026. A total of six teams participated in this year’s competition:
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Guyana
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Leeward Islands
- Windward Islands
The Barbados Cricket Association (BIC) extended its congratulations to the victorious team, highlighting their “commanding all-round performance” and commending the players, coaching staff, and management for an “outstanding campaign.” The BIC noted this was Barbados’s sixth consecutive victory in the tournament, a testament to their sustained dominance in youth cricket within the region.
Trinidad and Tobago secured the third-place position in the championship, rounding out the top finishers.
Looking Ahead
The consistent success of the Barbados U-19 team in the CWI Rising Stars Championship signals a bright future for West Indies cricket. The tournament serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing emerging talent, providing young players with invaluable competitive experience on a regional stage. The performances witnessed in Antigua and Barbuda are indicative of the developing skill sets and competitive spirit present in the Caribbean’s next generation of cricketers.
