The Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze tournament ignited with a trio of fiercely contested matches at Arnos Vale in St. Vincent, headlined by Barbados securing a nail-biting victory in their opening fixture.
In the day’s marquee contest, Barbados clinched a tense three-wicket triumph over Trinidad and Tobago with just nine deliveries remaining. Chasing a modest target of 98 runs, Barbados appeared destined for a comfortable victory after openers Eboni Brathwaite (26) and Trishan Holder (16) established a solid 45-run foundation. However, Holder’s dismissal in the seventh over triggered a dramatic collapse that saw Barbados stumble to a precarious 68 for six by the 15th over. The match hung in balance until veteran pacer Shamilia Connell emerged as the unlikely hero, unleashing a decisive unbeaten 16 from just ten deliveries to seal victory at 99 for seven in the penultimate over.
Trinidad and Tobago’s bowling attack, led by the exceptional Brianna Harricharan (3 wickets for 8 runs), staged a remarkable comeback that nearly snatched victory from defeat. Earlier, T&T posted 97 for five from their 20 overs, with Britney Cooper’s 36-ball 33 and captain Karishma Ramharack’s 21 forming the backbone of their innings. Barbados’ Naijanni Cumberbatch impressed with bowling figures of two for 18.
The tournament’s second encounter witnessed Leeward Islands securing a nine-run victory against Jamaica. Shawnisha Hector’s anchoring innings of 56 from 55 balls propelled Leewards to 108 for five, despite Jamaica’s Chedan Nation (2 for 15) causing early damage. Nation later starred with an unbeaten 48 in Jamaica’s reply, but her valiant effort proved insufficient as the team finished at 99 for eight. Leewards’ bowling trio of Davronique Maynard (2 for 19), Shawnisha Hector (2 for 15), and Jahzara Claxton (2 for 26) effectively contained the Jamaican batting lineup.
Defending champions Guyana commenced their title defense with a hard-fought seven-run victory over Windward Islands. Restricted to 96 for five, Guyana relied on Shabika Gajnabi’s team-high 38 from 37 balls, while Windwards’ Carena Noel and Zaida James both recorded economical figures of one for 14. In response, Windward Islands fell agonizingly short at 89 for five, despite Jannillea Glasgow’s resilient 41 from 59 balls. Her dismissal via runout with three balls remaining effectively sealed Guyana’s victory in the tournament opener.