Leaders Jamaica and Barbados Women’s teams continued their tussle for the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze title with both teams remaining unbeaten after yesterday’s third round at the National Stadium, Providence.
In the opening match of the day, Barbados Women trounced the Windward Islands by 10 wickets.
In overcast conditions and scattered drizzles, the Windwards posted 87 for six but that total proved to be woefully inadequate as the defending champions romped to 89 without loss in a mere 11.3 of their allotted 20 overs.
The Windwards’ innings was propped up by a 64-run partnership for the third wicket between West Indies player Afy Fletcher and Zaida James.
Fletcher top scored with 30 runs rom 46 balls and she struck one boundary before being trapped leg before wicket by Shanika Bruce. James made 23 from 40 balls and hit two boundaries. Bruce ended with 3-13 while Aaliyah Alleyne took 2-6.
In the chase, Barbados captain, Hayley Matthews clubbed four boundaries on her way to 41 not out from just 34 balls. She was supported by Kycia Knight who smacked two fours and the first six of the tournament to end unbeaten on 32 from 35 balls.
In the second encounter of the day, after a late start Guyana won the toss and opted to bat first.
After taking the knee, the hosts posted 90 for six in their allotment. Jamaica then reached 92 for three with 13 balls to spare.
Shabika Gajnabi top scored with a positive innings of 26 not out from 30 balls while Cherry-Ann Fraser retired injured on 20 not out from 27 balls after attempting to take a quick single and turning back.
Lashauna Toussaint made 11 while Shemaine Campbelle was given a chance after Corrine Howell spilled a return catch. But it did not cost Jamaica anything as Howell had Campbelle trapped leg before wicket two balls later. Chinelle Henry ended with 3-12 while Howell picked up 2-19.
Jamaica’s chase was rocked early with Tremayne Smartt (2-12) pushing back the stumps of Natasha McLean in the first over and then getting Stefanie Taylor leg before wicket for 10.
However, Rashada Williams anchored the innings with a composed 41 not out. Her 52-ball innings featured six boundaries and showcased her ability to work the field and pick the gaps.
Williams added 68 runs for the third wicket with Chedean Nation who made 32 from 39 balls. Her innings featured four boundaries before coming to an end when she was leg before wicket to Gajnabi.
