By Anas Ahmed 
Warriors Hold Nerve in Final-Over Thriller
The 2025 Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) began with a dramatic low-scoring contest at Providence Stadium, Guyana, where the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women defeated the Trinbago Knight Riders Women by just six runs.
With 16 required off the last over, Kiwi pacer Molly Penfold showed remarkable composure, forcing two run outs in the first two balls and ensuring the Riders finished short at 123/9 in pursuit of 130. It was a tense ending to a match that kept fans on edge throughout.
Taylor Anchors Warriors’ Innings
After being inserted by Deandra Dottin, the Warriors looked to veteran Stafanie Taylor for stability. The experienced West Indies star responded with a classy 45 off 37 balls, striking five boundaries and a six. She fell agonizingly short of a half-century, run out in the 15th over while looking to accelerate.
At the top, debutant Realeanna Grimmond impressed with a patient 33 off 36 balls, laying a solid platform. Despite regular wickets falling at the other end, the Warriors managed 129/7 from their 20 overs.
Australian power-hitter Laura Harris chipped in with 14 and then delivered the all-round performance of the night.
Harris Shines with the Ball and in the Field
Named Player of the Match, Harris not only claimed 3/25 with her off-spin but also held two sharp catches. Her scalps included big-hitter Dottin, caught and bowled for 14, and the dangerous Claxton and Gajnabi.
Youngster Ashmini Munisar provided excellent support, returning 3/21 in her four overs, removing Lizelle Lee (36), Rashada Williams, and Glasgow. Her tidy spell strangled the Riders’ middle order and swung the contest firmly in Guyana’s favour.
Riders Falter After Bright Start
The Knight Riders’ chase began promisingly with Lizelle Lee scoring 36 from 32 balls. But after she was stumped by Amy Hunter off Munisar, the innings lost momentum.
Dottin briefly threatened before Harris dismissed her, and Claxton’s cameo of 15 couldn’t shift the balance. With wickets tumbling in clusters, the Riders were left needing a late miracle.
Though Salonee Dangore struck a four in the final over, the double run outs and tight bowling from Penfold sealed a famous Warriors victory.
Brief Scores
Guyana Amazon Warriors Women 129/7 (Stafanie Taylor 45, Realeanna Grimmond 33, Laura Harris 14; Jess Jonassen 2/18, Jahzara Claxton 1/24)
Trinbago Knight Riders Women 123/9 (Lizelle Lee 36, Jess Jonassen 22, Jahzara Claxton 15; Laura Harris 3/25, Ashmini Munisar 3/21)
Result: Warriors Women won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Laura Harris – 14 (12), 3/25 & 2 catches
Zainab Shafiq