Inspired by Narine, Ramharack Goes from Sidekick to Hero
When Anisa Mohammed, the legendary West Indies cricketer, retired in January as one of only five women with over 300 international wickets, it left a void in West Indies' spin attack. For Karishma Ramharack, it was a bittersweet moment. Ramharack had long been known as Anisa’s "partner-in-crime" both at the domestic level for Trinidad & Tobago and on the international stage. Despite their strong partnership, Ramharack was often overshadowed by Anisa’s brilliance. However, on a remarkable Thursday in Sharjah, against Bangladesh, Ramharack stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight, delivering a match-winning performance that proved she could thrive on her own.
Ramharack’s bowling, a deceptive offspin inspired by two greats—Anisa Mohammed and Sunil Narine—proved crucial in West Indies' victory. Her 4 for 17, her second-best figures in T20 internationals, not only stifled Bangladesh but also gave the West Indies a significant net run rate boost, placing them at the top of the tournament table. From the moment she entered the attack in the fourth over, Ramharack was in command. She struck immediately, deceiving opener Shathi Rani and then bowled the dangerous Dilara Akter with a quicker delivery. By dismissing key batters and breaking partnerships, Ramharack allowed her fellow spinners, like Ashmini Munisar and Afy Fletcher, to apply pressure and control the game.
From Sidekick to Lead: A Turning Point in Ramharack’s Career
Ramharack’s journey from being Anisa Mohammed’s sidekick to becoming a hero in her own right has been a gradual evolution. Unlike many of her peers, Ramharack did not benefit from structured training pathways early in her career. Her rise was self-taught, grounded in her local training at Queen’s Park Oval, where she first garnered attention for her unique ability to turn the ball both ways. Her inspirations, Anisa and Sunil Narine, became benchmarks that she aspired to reach, and her work ethic in improving her game is paying dividends. Captain Hayley Matthews has lauded Ramharack’s growth over the years, pointing out her improvement in fitness, control, and attitude towards bowling.
This match against Bangladesh was a testament to Ramharack’s potential and growth. After spending much of her early career in the shadows, Ramharack has embraced the responsibility of leading the West Indies’ spin attack. Her performance did not just secure a win; it cemented her place as a key figure in the team’s future. As Ramharack continues to build on her unique skills, she is no longer just Anisa’s successor but a standout player in her own right, ready to lead the charge for West Indies cricket in the years to come.
A New Chapter for West Indies Women’s Cricket
Ramharack’s rise to prominence comes at a crucial time for West Indies women’s cricket. With the retirement of Anisa Mohammed, the team was left searching for a bowler who could lead the spin attack, and Ramharack has shown she is ready to step into that role. Her ability to control the middle overs and take crucial wickets has already made a significant impact in the team’s recent victories. In the match against Bangladesh, her four-wicket haul not only restricted the opposition but also gave the West Indies a significant boost in their net run rate, a critical factor in the ongoing tournament.
Captain Hayley Matthews, who has witnessed Ramharack’s growth firsthand, praised her teammate’s all-round development. From improving her fielding and fitness to refining her bowling skills, Ramharack’s transformation over the last two years has been remarkable. Matthews highlighted her inclusion in the ICC Team of the Year as a sign of Ramharack’s rise on the global stage and sees her as a key player in the team’s future success. More importantly, Ramharack’s ability to perform under pressure has added depth to West Indies' spin-heavy attack, giving Matthews more flexibility in the field.
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