The 2026 Windward Islands Cricket Board Women’s T20 Championship commenced with a commanding performance from the defending champions, as St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) secured a six-wicket victory over Saint Lucia at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground on Sunday, January 4th.
Electing to field first after winning the toss, SVG captain Japhina Joseph’s decision initially appeared questionable. Saint Lucia’s opening pair, Ashlene Edward and West Indies allrounder Zaida James, launched a formidable assault, propelling their team to a strong position of 60 without loss by the seventh over. Edward’s powerful 36 off 29 deliveries spearheaded the early charge.
However, the innings underwent a dramatic collapse following James’s dismissal. A devastating middle-order batting failure saw Saint Lucia lose six wickets for a mere 25 runs. The team’s momentum was salvaged only by Namiah Marcellin’s resilient 22 from 26 balls, which guided them to a final total of 117-9 from their allotted 20 overs. Tracy Byron was the chief architect of the collapse, delivering an impressive bowling spell of 3-17 for the hosts.
In response, SVG’s run chase faced an early setback with the departure of their captain. Despite losing partners at the other end, West Indies player Janillea Glasgow played a match-defining innings, masterfully anchoring the pursuit with a dominant 60 from just 49 balls, including nine fours and a six. Her dismissal in the 15th over with the score at 93-4 left little doubt about the outcome. Tracy Byron (11*) and Shannel Mackie (14*) calmly saw their team across the finish line with eight deliveries to spare, sealing a comprehensive win.
In the tournament’s other opening fixture, Grenada announced themselves as serious contenders with a resounding victory over Dominica, powered by a magnificent century from Afy Fletcher that set a target of 182. Saint Lucia now looks to regroup quickly for their next match against a high-flying Grenada on Monday, January 5th.