Massy WCPL: Royals stay perfect, TKR end winless

At the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the Massy Women Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) continued as the Barbados Royals capped a dominant campaign with a seven-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) Women, remaining unbeaten in the group stage. Captain Deandra Dottin promoted herself up the order, but the move didn’t pay off as Royals skipper Chinelle Henry struck early, bowling her for a duck. Jannillea Glasgow soon followed, miscueing a shot straight to cover where Shreyanka Patil held a simple catch, departing for just 2. With the in-form Jess Jonassen joining Zaida James, the Trinbago Knight Riders Women ended the powerplay at 41 for 2.
The pair batted steadily through the middle overs, rotating the strike well and capitalizing on the occasional loose delivery. At the halfway mark, TKR Women were 60 for 2, with Jonassen and James firmly in control. Their partnership was broken shortly after when Aaliyah Alleyne produced a clever delivery to dismiss James, who scored 17 off 21 balls, leaving TKR at 66 for 3 after 11 overs.

Jonassen, however, remained unfazed. Demonstrating her class and experience, she combined patience with power, punishing any loose deliveries. Her efforts were rewarded as she reached a well-crafted half-century, bringing up the milestone with a superb lofted shot over long off that cleared the ropes with ease.
Jonassen’s magnificent innings came to an end in the 16th over when Henry returned to the attack and claimed her wicket. The Australian all-rounder had dominated the scoring, finishing with a brilliant 71 off 52 balls at a strike rate of 136, including nine fours and a towering six. Her dismissal proved a crucial breakthrough for the Royals, halting TKR’s momentum just as they were looking to accelerate.
At 120 for 4 after 17 overs, the Knight Riders were still looking to post a strong total. However, Henry continued to make inroads, claiming her third wicket when Jahzara Claxton, after a brisk cameo of 15 off 10 balls, was dismissed. Henry finished an excellent spell with figures of 3 for 25, keeping the Royals firmly in control during the latter stages.
Despite some late boundaries, TKR struggled for consistency under the pressure of regular wickets. Their innings concluded at 148 for 8 – a competitive total, but slightly below par given the strong platform they had earlier in the innings.
Shikha Pandey gave the Knight Riders the perfect start, striking twice in quick succession to dismiss both Kycia Knight and Djenaba Joseph cheaply. At 3 for 2, the Royals appeared in early trouble, but the experienced Chamari Athapaththu and composed Courtney Webb steadied the innings. The pair combined watchful defence with crisp strokeplay, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
By the end of the powerplay, the Royals had recovered to 39 for 2, thanks to a measured approach. Athapaththu, in particular, showcased her class, punishing anything overpitched and rotating the strike with ease. The momentum carried through the middle overs, with the Sri Lankan star reaching a well-deserved half-century, highlighted by elegant drives and confident sweeps.
At the halfway stage, the Royals were comfortably positioned at 72 for 2, with Athapaththu and Webb firmly in control of the chase.
The partnership between Athapaththu and Webb flourished as they brought up a 100-run stand, steadily taking the game away from the Knight Riders. Their composure at the crease and ability to find gaps kept the required rate well within reach, frustrating the TKR bowlers.
With eight wickets still in hand and just three overs remaining, the Royals needed 30 runs for victory.
The outstanding third-wicket partnership of 144 finally came to an end in the penultimate over when Jonassen bowled Athapaththu with a clever delivery. The Sri Lankan star had produced a masterclass in controlled aggression, striking 10 fours and three sixes in her 89 off 71 balls, leaving the Royals firmly in command.
At the other end, Courtney Webb played the perfect anchor role, rotating the strike efficiently before bringing up a well-deserved half-century. She remained unbeaten at 50 off 42 balls, guiding her team calmly through the chase. The Royals eventually sealed victory with an over to spare, finishing on 149 for 3 in 19 overs to secure a convincing seven-wicket win.