Guyana Women edge Windward Islands in T20 Blaze opener

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) T20 Blaze tournament opened with the defending champions, Guyana Women, facing the Windward Islands Women at the Arnos Vale Ground, as the Guyanese outfit went on to pull off a tense last-over victory.
Windward Islands won the toss and elected to field first.
Guyana Women made a steady start, reaching 26 without loss at the end of the powerplay. The first breakthrough came when Realeanna Grimmond was dismissed for eight, followed shortly after by Mandy Mangru for 16, leaving the champions 29 for 2. Shabika Gajnabi top-scored for Guyana with a composed 38 from 37 balls, including two boundaries, while Ashmini Munisar chipped in with 17. However, a slow scoring rate throughout the innings restricted Guyana to a modest 96 for 5 from their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, the home side adopted a positive approach despite losing early wickets. From 19 for 2, Afy Fletcher and Jannillea Glasgow steadied the innings with a solid partnership. After 16 overs, Windward Islands were well placed at 73 for 2, requiring 24 runs from the final four overs with eight wickets in hand.

Momentum began to shift in the 17th over when Sheneta Grimmond delivered a tight spell, creating pressure on the batters. The crucial 59-run partnership was eventually broken by Ashmini Munisar, who had Fletcher caught at long-on by Gajnabi for 33 off 36 balls, an innings that included one four and one six. With nine runs needed from the final over, Guyana Captain Shermaine Campbell handed the ball to off-spinner Plaffiana Millington. The pressure intensified as Glasgow was run out for a well-made 41 from 59 deliveries, featuring four boundaries. Windward Islands ultimately fell short, finishing on 89 for 5 at the end of their 20 overs.
Guyana Women successfully defended their title credentials, securing a tense seven-run victory in the opening match of the tournament.