The defending champions, Barbados Royals, have secured their place in the final of the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) with a hard-fought 17-run victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, saw ball dominate bat as both teams struggled to adapt to a challenging wicket under the floodlights.
Winning the toss, Warriors captain Lauren Winfield-Hill opted to field first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions. The decision seemed justified early on as the Royals found it difficult to score freely. The usually explosive Hayley Matthews could only manage 2 runs off 13 deliveries before falling, and her opening partner Chamari Athapaththu, known for her aggressive batting, was equally stifled, scoring just 15 runs off 27 balls before being trapped lbw by Chloe Tryon.
The Royals’ innings was a tale of struggle, with boundaries hard to come by and the Warriors’ bowlers maintaining a tight grip. The PowerPlay yielded just 25 runs, and by the halfway mark, the Royals were precariously placed at 33/3. Erin Burns once again proved her worth for the Warriors, this time with the ball, as she picked up 3 wickets for 31 runs in her four overs. The Royals eventually managed to scrape together 101/8 in their 20 overs, with Qiana Joseph’s 19 runs being the top score. Joseph later delivered with the ball as well, taking 3 wickets for 16 runs and earning the Player of the Match honors.
In response, the Warriors faced similar difficulties on a pitch that offered little to the batters. The Royals’ bowlers, led by their captain Matthews, executed their plans to perfection, applying relentless pressure. The turning point came when Erin Burns, the tournament’s top run-scorer, was dismissed by Athapaththu, leaving the Warriors in deep trouble at 44/5 in the 12th over. With the required run rate climbing and wickets tumbling, the Warriors never managed to get back into the game.
Barbados Royals, with this victory, continue their unbeaten run in the WCPL 2024, showcasing their strength in all departments. They have now firmly booked their spot in the final, where they await their challenger. The contest for the second finalist spot is heating up, with both Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors locked at two points each. Deandra Dottin’s Knight Riders will have their chance to secure a place in the final, but to do so, they must overcome the undefeated Royals in tomorrow’s match—a challenge easier said than done.
As the Royals look ahead to the final, they carry the momentum of an unbeaten streak and the confidence of a well-rounded team. Their opponents, whoever they may be, will need to bring their A-game to dethrone the reigning champions in what promises to be an exciting finale to the WCPL 2024.
