WCPL 2025: Guyana Amazon Warriors edge Trinbago Knight Riders in low-scoring thriller

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The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 began in thrilling fashion at Providence Stadium, where Guyana Amazon Warriors Women (GAW-W) edged past Trinbago Knight Riders Women (TKR-W) by just six runs. In a contest filled with momentum swings, Guyana held their nerve to defend a modest target of 130, giving the tournament an electrifying start.

Batting first, Guyana posted 129/7 in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive given the slightly slow surface. The innings revolved around captain Stafanie Taylor’s composed 45 off 37 balls, laced with five fours and a six.

At the other end, young Realeanna Grimmond showed maturity beyond her years, scoring 33 off 36 deliveries with four fours and a six. Her partnership with Taylor steadied the innings after early wickets threatened to derail the start.

Lower down the order, Chedean Nation (21 off 15) provided late fireworks, striking two boundaries and a six, while Laura Harris (14 off 12) chipped in with crucial runs. Despite their contributions, disciplined bowling from Trinbago restricted Guyana from crossing the 140-mark.

TKR’s bowling attack deserves credit for keeping the Warriors in check. Jess Jonassen (2/18 in 4 overs) was the standout, mixing flight and control to strangle the middle overs. Shikha Pandey (1/29) and Jahzara Claxton (1/24) also struck at vital moments, preventing Guyana from accelerating freely.

Veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin was economical in her two overs, while young Samara Ramnath (1/19) impressed with her accuracy.

Chasing 130, TKR got off to a steady start, but their innings lacked fluency. South African opener Lizelle Lee top-scored with 36 off 32, cracking six boundaries. She looked set for a match-winning knock before being dismissed at a crucial stage.

Jess Jonassen (22 off 27) provided stability but struggled to find acceleration, while skipper Deandra Dottin (14 off 10) gave the innings a spark with two towering sixes. Jahzara Claxton (15 off 13) also showed promise, but none could play the defining innings needed to close out the chase.

The lower order offered brief cameos – Salonee Dangore’s 9 off 5 included a boundary – but Guyana’s bowlers ensured the pressure never eased. Trinbago eventually finished at 123/9 in their 20 overs, falling agonizingly short by six runs.

For Guyana, the bowlers delivered when it mattered most. Ashmini Munisar (3/21) turned the tide with a brilliant spell, picking up key wickets in the middle overs. Laura Harris (3/25) showcased her all-round skills, striking vital blows including the dismissal of Lizelle Lee.

Karishma Ramharack (1/22) also bowled a tight spell, while Cherry Ann Fraser (0/15 in 4 overs) deserves credit for keeping things miserly at one end, piling pressure on the Trinbago batters.

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For her contributions in both departments, Laura Harris was deservedly named Player of the Match. Her late cameo of 14 runs boosted Guyana’s total, and her three wickets with the ball tilted the match firmly in her side’s favour.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.