The efforts of new bowlers Steffi Soogrim and Kaysia Schultz impressed West Indies Head Coach Courtney Walsh, who presented standout performances during the squad’s first 50-over match in Antigua on Thursday.
Soogrim from Trinidad and Tobago returned figures of 3-5 from 4.5 overs, while Guyanese Schultz had figures of 3-36 in the match which XI Anisa Mohammed won over XI Stafanie Taylor.
“We had a low-scoring game, but I was particularly pleased to see the effort of all the girls on both teams. People like Soogrim and Schultz made even more of an impression, the way they bowled and the effort they made. Connell and Aaliyah Alleyne’s opening attack also kept the batsmen on guard, ”said Walsh.
“It was a challenging wicket when we saw Deandra’s mat and then later when Stafanie and Hayley batted, chasing the low score. We saw some good signs, many positives to work from but still work to do. I think it’s all a good outing for the first game only and we’ll definitely be working on improvements for the remaining games. ”
First batting, Mohammed’s XI were bowled out for 112 in 30.5 overs thanks largely to Soogrim and Shamilia Connell, who took 2-14 of the four overs bowled. Deandra Dottin did her best to counteract penetrative bowling, scoring an unbeaten 51 when facing 80 balls.
In the pursuit of 113, XI Taylor lost Hayley Matthews at 19 and Taylor for 26 as the side bowled out for 104.
The Schoutz, 23, was the standout; the left-arm orthodox bowler already had good control showing the benefits of the camp. (Sportsmax)