The Leeward Islands women’s cricket team extended their undefeated streak in the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament with a commanding four-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas on January 17th at Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown, St. Vincent.
Facing disciplined bowling and exceptional fielding from the Leewards, the TT women struggled significantly with their batting performance. Restricted to a modest total of 74/9 from their allotted 20 overs, the Divas found scoring difficult throughout their innings. Middle-order batter Amelia Khan emerged as the top scorer with 17 runs, while only two other teammates managed to reach double figures.
The Leewards’ bowling attack demonstrated remarkable precision, led by Davronique Maynard’s impressive figures of 2/12 and captain Amanda Edwards’ contribution of 2/20. Beyond their bowling excellence, the Leewards displayed extraordinary fielding prowess that included two spectacular run-outs and several sharp catches.
A highlight moment occurred in the seventh over when Rozel Liburd executed a sensational direct hit from her own bowling to dismiss Djenaba Joseph for just five runs. Later in the 15th over, allrounder Jahzara Claxton showcased exceptional fielding awareness with a quick pickup and accurate throw to eliminate Kirbyina Alexander.
Despite requiring a flawless bowling performance to defend their low total, TT initially showed promise by removing hard-hitting opener Qiana Joseph through a run-out in the very first over. Leg-spinner Brianna Harricharan provided a crucial breakthrough in the fifth over, dismissing Shawnisha Hector with the score at 26.
The Leewards faced a brief scare when they slipped to 73/6 by the 16th over, but Jahzara Claxton’s unbeaten 12-run cameo, featuring both a four and a six, secured victory with 23 balls remaining. Claxton had earlier survived two close chances, including a dropped catch and a tight stumping appeal.
This victory marks the Leewards’ third consecutive win in the competition, following previous successes against Jamaica and Guyana. Meanwhile, TT now stands with one win and two losses from three matches and will face Guyana in their next encounter on January 19th.