Born on March 17, 1987, Afy Samantha Sharlyn Fletcher is a prominent cricketer from Grenada who has made her mark on the international stage, representing the West Indies with distinction. As a right-arm leg-spin bowler, her career has been a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
A Remarkable Debut
Fletcher’s journey in international cricket commenced at the age of 21 when she made her debut in a One Day International (ODI) match against Ireland in June 2008. What made her debut truly spectacular was her extraordinary performance. On her debut, she achieved figures of 4/22 from nine overs, setting a new record for the best figures by a West Indian on her ODI debut. This remarkable feat announced her arrival on the cricketing scene with a bang.
The T20 International Debut
Just a month later, Fletcher added another feather to her cap by making her Twenty20 International debut against the Netherlands. Her entry into the world of T20 cricket further solidified her status as a rising star in West Indian cricket.
The Journey Continues
While Fletcher showcased her talent early in her career, her journey had its ups and downs. She represented her team at the 2009 World Cup in Australia, participating in five matches. However, she managed to secure only two wickets during the tournament. After the World Cup, she faced a hiatus from the West Indian squad for over six years.
Triumphant Return
In May 2015, Afy Samantha Sharlyn Fletcher made a triumphant return to international cricket, featuring in a series against Sri Lanka. Her resilience and determination to regain her place in the West Indian squad were evident, and her return was a significant moment in her career.
A World Cup Winner
One of the highlights of Fletcher’s career came in 2016 when she was part of the West Indian team that clinched the 2016 World Twenty20 title in India. It was a historic moment as the West Indies secured their first-ever world title. During the tournament, Fletcher displayed her bowling prowess, capturing seven wickets from six matches. Her standout performances included figures of 3/12 against England and 2/16 against India, earning her recognition as one of the top wicket-takers in the competition.
Recognized by Cricket West Indies
In October 2018, Cricket West Indies (CWI) awarded Fletcher a women’s contract for the 2018–19 season, acknowledging her contributions to the team. This contract marked a significant milestone in her career and underscored her importance to the West Indian cricketing setup.
A Journey to Remember
As Afy Samantha Sharlyn Fletcher continues her cricketing journey, she remains a vital asset to the West Indies women’s cricket team. Her career has been characterized by resilience, remarkable performances, and a triumphant return to the international arena. With her inclusion in the West Indies squad for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, Fletcher is poised to add more chapters to her already impressive cricketing story. Her leg-spin wizardry and unwavering commitment make her a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
