Women’s T20 Blaze: Guyana and Jamaica to battle for title

Guyana’s final match in the preliminary phase of the Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze tournament saw them being denied a perfect record by Jamaica as they lost their first match in five.

However, the match was effectively a prelude to the final as both teams will play each other at Arnos Vale, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on Sunday from 18:00h, as they finished the top two sides in the standings.

Jamaica’s victory on Friday afternoon at Arnos Vale was built on a disciplined bowling performance, spearheaded by a masterful spell from off-spinner Vanessa Watts, who claimed remarkable figures of 4 for 13, including a maiden over.

Winning the toss and opting to field, Jamaica’s bowlers were immediately on the mark. Watts was particularly effective in dismantling the heart of the Guyanese batting order.

Among her key wickets was Guyana captain Shemaine Campbelle, who top-scored with a fighting 32 off 33 deliveries, embellished with four boundaries.

Support came from Nicole Campbell, who chipped in with 2 for 12, as Guyana limped to 83 for 9 from their 20 overs.

The chase for Jamaica wasn’t entirely without early jitters. When the experienced Chedean Nation departed for 12, Jamaica were at 51 for 3 in the 11th over, requiring a steadying influence.

That stability arrived in the form of Abigail Bryce, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 30. Her composed knock featured four boundaries and guided Jamaica towards the target. She was ably supported by the experienced Chinelle Henry, who remained unbeaten on 12 to see the defending champions comfortably across the line in the 17th over.

For Guyana, Cherry-Ann Fraser (1-13) and Nyia Latchman (1-18) were the wicket-takers in a bowling effort that lacked the penetration of their opponents.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/51ceb9a5-4144-4385-84b4-ade3667c4bf9/2