Antigua and Barbuda have concluded a triumphant cricket tour of the United Kingdom, finishing with a 5–2 series victory after a series of impressive performances against local and national sides.
The final leg of the tour saw Antigua and Barbuda edge out the Jersey Under-19 national side in a closely contested 50-over match. Batting first, the touring side posted 177 runs in just 32 overs, with Brent Joseph leading the charge with a 40-run knock. In response, Jersey were bowled out for 163, handing Antigua and Barbuda a hard-fought win.
The seventh and final match of the tour—a T20 fixture against the ACE Cricket Team—was played at the Uptonsteel County Ground in Leicester. Antigua and Barbuda compiled 172 for 6, with Michael Greaves contributing a solid 59. The ACE side replied with 162 for 7, but rain interrupted play with just three balls remaining. The result was decided via the Duckworth–Lewis method, with Antigua and Barbuda emerging as winners. J’Quan Athanaze was a standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets.
The tour, a flagship initiative of Minister of Education, Sports & the Creative Industries Hon. Daryll Matthew, was hailed as a significant development opportunity for the young cricketers representing Antigua and Barbuda on the international stage.
The initiative received critical support from a range of partners, including the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (UK), Ambassador Ahmed Oleiwi, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs. Additional backing came from Cricket Jersey, Harrow St. Mary’s Cricket Club, Keith Williams through the Antigua Exchange Programme, and WM Legal, represented by Lisa Weston.
High Commissioner to the UK, Karen-Mae Hill, played a key role in coordinating aspects of the visit, joined by Senator Shenella Govia, Aldo McCoy, and Director of Sports Heather Samuel-Daley. Team management was overseen by Brent Scotland, with veteran coaches Winston Benjamin and David Joseph providing critical guidance throughout.
In a memorable finale, legendary Antiguan fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose joined the squad for their final match, offering inspiration and encouragement to the next generation of cricket talent.
The tour kit was sponsored by the High Commission and the Tourism Authority, reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting sport and national pride abroad.