Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar included in West Indies women's U-19 squad for ODI series against Ireland U-19

West Indies Cricket Board have named a 14-member women’s u-19 squad for the three-match T20I series against Ireland this week. Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar and Djenaba Joseph have found a place in the squad. James was the leading run scorer and as well as the highest wicket-taker for her side in the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year with 124 runs and six wickets to her name.

The selectors have decided to retain the same squad that emerged victorious in the ODI series by 2-0 last week. Chief selector Ann Browne-John said that the group has shown form and performance which helped them win the ODI series.

"The selection panel decided to retain the players who completed the ODI series. These players have shown form and performance which enabled the team to secure a series win, which the team has been striving for in recent times,” Browne-John was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Browne-John further said that the team has the perfect mix of youth and experience.

"As we continue the rebuilding, we believe we have found a competent balance in mix of senior players and the younger players selected. It is in keeping with our ethos of preparing the next batch of West Indies women's players, by combining the experienced and the newly capped players,” he added.

The team will be led- by Hayley Matthews while Shemaine Campbelle will don the vice-captain’s hat. Notably, West Indies U-19 will be playing their first T20I series since the World Cup earlier this year, where they were knocked out in the group stage following a defeat to England by 95 runs.

All three matches will be played at St Lucia's Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The series begins on Tuesday, July 4, followed by the remaining two games on July 6 and 8 respectively.

West Indies T20I squad: Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.