In a thrilling encounter, Leeward Islands Women clinched a hard-fought 12-run victory over Barbados Women, propelled by a stellar performance from Reniece Boyce. Boyce's impressive half-century, scoring 67 runs from just 52 balls, guided Leeward Islands to a total of 139-7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Naijanni Cumberbatch delivered an outstanding performance with the ball, ending with figures of 4-9 from her four overs.
Despite a valiant effort from Barbados Women, with Kycia Knight contributing 37 runs and Kyshona Knight remaining unbeaten on 50, their endeavours fell short as they were restricted to 127-5. Rozel Liburd led the bowling attack for Leeward Islands, claiming 2 wickets for 18 runs.
In the second match of the day, Guyana Women cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago Women.
Trinidad and Tobago struggled with the bat, managing only 66 runs before being bowled out in 18.3 overs. Plaffiana Millington was the star for Guyana, returning remarkable figures of 4-5 from 3.3 overs. Shunelle Shaw was the top scorer for Trinidad and Tobago with 15 runs.
In the chase, Guyana Women displayed dominance as they reached the target with ease, scoring 67-3 in just 11 overs. Shabika Gjnabi led the charge with an unbeaten 24, supported by Shemaine Campbell, who contributed 19 runs.
The matches will be played at Antigua’s Coolidge Cricket Ground and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium with the ‘A’ Team matches preceding the Senior team matches in back-to-back “doubleheader” fixtures.
Taylor considered one of the best all-rounders in the world in the women’s game, will again captain the senior team that will also include vice-captain Anisa Mohammed, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack and Shakera Selman.
Reniece Boyce will lead the ‘A’ team that will feature two young players from the Windward Islands - 16-year-old left-arm medium-pacer, Zaida James, and 17-year-old right-arm medium-pacer, Jannillea Glasgow.
Both players were called up for the first time to the West Indies Women’s training squad and now have made their way into the ‘A’ team squad after impressing during the pre-series camp.
The other members of the ‘A’ team include Shabika Gajnabi (vice-captain), Shanika Bruce, Cherry Ann Fraser, Sheneta Grimmond, Japhina Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Kaysia Schultz, Steffie Soogram, Rachel Vincent and Rashada Williams.
Chief women’s selector Ann Browne-John believes the coming series could not have come at a better time, as the women have been short of games because of the pandemic. The West Indies Women last played an international match against England in September 2020.
“This series against Pakistan has come at an opportune time because the West Indies players have not been able to face international opponents since September 2020. It’s exciting that not only will the senior team be in action, but for the very first time a West Indies ‘A’ Team will have the opportunity to compete against international opposition,” she said.
“As we prepare for the upcoming five CG Insurance ODI match series, these three T20Is will enable the senior team to ease themselves back into the international arena. The ‘A’ team matches are an excellent chance for some of the younger players who have not been able to find a place in the senior team to show their skills.”
The CG Insurance T20I and One Day International (ODI) series will allow for all 28 players to be eligible for selection on both teams.
