Leeward Islands crowned CWI T20 Blaze champions

The Leeward Islands Women were crowned champions of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) T20 Blaze after a tense, rain-affected grand finale against Barbados at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Saturday evening, sealing a dramatic six-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method and completing the tournament unbeaten.
After winning the toss, the Leewards elected to bat and were inspired by a commanding performance from Shawnisha Hector, who rose to the occasion with a superb 58 off 44 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes.
Her innings anchored the Leeward Islands’ total and gave the side crucial momentum in the showpiece final.
She found valuable support from Reniece Bouce, with her composed 26 from 32 deliveries ensuring stability through the middle overs.
The Leeward Islands closed their 20 overs on 111 for 6, a total that proved just enough under challenging conditions. Rain then intervened during Barbados’ reply, forcing a revision of the target under the DLS system.
Despite a fighting effort from Eboni Braithwaite (26) and a calm, unbeaten 16 from captain Aaliyah Allyene, Barbados could only reach 79 for 5 from their revised 16 overs, falling heartbreakingly short as the Leewards held their nerve to secure the title.
The victory capped a flawless campaign for the Leeward Islands Women, who finished the tournament unbeaten and lifted the Blaze trophy in emphatic fashion.

Guyana Fall Just Short in Third-Place Playoff
Earlier in the day, Guyana Women narrowly missed out on third place, going down by seven runs to Trinidad and Tobago Women in a tightly contested playoff.
Guyana won the toss and chose to field, with Trinidad posting 104 for 7 from their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a patient and determined knock from Britney Cooper, who top-scored with 46 from 49 balls, including six boundaries, while Djenaba Joseph added 15.

Guyana’s bowling attack was led superbly by Ashmini Munisar, who produced an outstanding spell of 4 for 15, while Danellie Manns supported well with 2 for 14.
However, Guyana’s batting once again faltered under pressure. Chasing 105 for victory, they were bowled out for 97 in 19.4 overs, despite a steady 32 from 32 balls by Shabika Gajnabi and a promising late cameo from Realeanna Grimmond, who struck 20 from just 10 balls, including three fours and a six.
The Trinidad and Tobago bowlers held their composure at the death, with Karishma Ramharack leading the attack with 3 for 13, while Anisa Mohammed, Shalini Samaroo, and Lee-Ann Kirby each claimed two wickets to deny Guyana a third place finish.