ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Cricket West Indies has praised the “competence and hard work” of regional umpire Jacqueline Williams, who yesterday stood in her first ever International Cricket Council World Cup final.
Williams was one of the on-field officials for the championship game of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup as Australia beat hosts South Africa by 19 runs at Newlands in Cape Town to claim their sixth T20 title.
The accomplishment followed on the heels of the Jamaican’s 100th international match, coming in Friday’s semi-final between hosts South Africa and England also at Newlands when she was one of the on-field umpires.
“Every cricket lover in the West Indies should be very proud of Jacqueline. [Her] 100th match and most importantly, first ever semi-final in an ICC [World Cup event],” said CWI president Ricky Skerritt.
“We’ve been very proud of Jacqueline … she’s a pioneer in West Indies Women’s umpiring in the sense she’s been the one who’s furthest afield and she sets a great example in terms of her competence and her hard work.
“And cricket is an industry. Cricket is not just about players on the field, it’s about all the support staff, all the officials, all the executives behind the curtain so to speak, and she’s a wonderful example again for young people to follow.
“So I extend again my personal and official congratulations on an excellent career so far.”
The 46-year-old Williams stood in her first international four years ago and has made large strides since, logging nine first class matches and 19 List A games.
On Sunday, Williams stood alongside Claire Polosak of Australia, while Eloise Sheridan – also from Australia – served as TV umpire.
