On Saturday evening at the National Stadium, the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women stormed into the finals with a thrilling five-wicket win over the Trinbago Knight Riders Women (TKRW) in a do-or-die showdown.
TKRW’s innings got off to a rocky start as opener Lizelle Lee was trapped lbw by Karishma Ramharack for just 2, before Jodi Glasgow’s bizarre hit-wicket dismissal to Molly Penfold left them reeling at 14-2 inside the powerplay. The ever-reliable Jess Jonassen then steadied the ship with a composed 51 off 45 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. The Australian all-rounder played the anchor role superbly as wickets continued to tumble around her.
Zaida James offered brief support with 15 from 24, but her sluggish scoring kept the Warriors’ bowlers on top. Captain Deandra Dottin finally injected some life into the innings with 31 from 33 balls, including three boundaries, before Penfold removed her in the 18th over.
Penfold was the star with the ball for the Warriors, ripping through TKRW’s middle and lower order with a brilliant 4-17 from her four overs, removing Glasgow, Dottin, Pandey (0), and Hector (1). Stefanie Taylor chipped in with the prized scalp of Jonassen, while Laura Harris accounted for James.
Despite Jonassen’s lone stand, the Knight Riders’ innings never took flight, with the lower order offering little resistance. A late unbeaten 4 off 2 from Jannillea Claxton nudged the total past 120, but the lack of partnerships left TKRW well short of a truly competitive target.
At the halfway stage, the Warriors looked confident of reeling in 124, backed by a powerful batting lineup led by Stefanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle. With Penfold’s inspired spell setting the tone, they entered the chase with momentum on their side and a spot in the finals within reach.
Chasing 124 at just over six an over, the Warriors got off to a shaky start. Captain Deandra Dottin made the early breakthrough with the new ball, bouncing out the in-form Realeanna Grimmond for just one. The delivery climbed awkwardly, forcing a miscued shot that went straight up, and Dottin safely pouched the return catch.
Despite the early setback, the Warriors kept their composure in the power play. Veteran Stefanie Taylor joined Amy Hunter at the crease, and the pair worked the ball around smartly to steady the innings. While boundaries were scarce, they rotated the strike effectively, ensuring the required rate did not climb out of control. At the end of the powerplay the Amazon Warriors were 38 for 1.
Salonee Dangore broke the partnership by trapping Amy Hunter LBW for 27 off 31 balls. Captain Shermaine Campbelle then walked to the crease, aiming to rebuild the innings for the chase. The pair added 26 runs before Campbelle fell, mistiming a delivery straight to short mid-wicket, where Dangore claimed her second wicket of the night, leaving the score at 82 for 3 after 12.5 overs.
TKRW struck again soon after, as Laura Harris was caught at long-on for 10 off 5 balls. The Guyana Amazon Warriors Women required 16 runs from 24 balls with Stephanie Taylor and Dane van Niekerk at the crease. With just four runs needed for victory, Taylor fell for 39 off 44 balls, having struck three boundaries. Dane van Niekerk then sealed the win, finishing unbeaten on 12. The Warriors completed their innings at 125 for 5 in 18.5 overs, securing a five-wicket victory. The win ensures the Guyana Amazon Warriors a place in the finals, while the Trinbago Knight Riders bow out.
Discover more from Guyana Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
