By Anas Ahmed 
Royals Shine with Bat and Ball
The Barbados Royals Women continued their flawless start to the Women’s Caribbean Premier League 2025, dismantling Trinbago Knight Riders by 59 runs at Providence Stadium. The Royals, led by captain Chinelle Henry, are firmly perched at the top of the table after a ruthless all-round performance.
Joseph Anchors Royals’ Innings
Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the Royals leaned on the classy stroke play of Qiana Joseph, who crafted a superb 63 off 52 balls. Opening alongside Chamari Athapaththu, Joseph kept the innings together with crisp boundaries and calm rotation of strike.
The pair added 59 runs for the first wicket in seven overs, giving the Royals a stable platform. While Athapaththu’s cameo of 14 was short-lived, Joseph’s knock ensured momentum stayed with the defending champions.
Lower-order support came from Kycia Knight, who struck a breezy 33 off 21 balls, lifting the Royals to a competitive 137/6 in 20 overs despite sharp fielding interventions and wickets from Deandra Dottin (2/22).
Athapaththu Spins Royals to Victory
If Joseph built the foundation with the bat, Chamari Athapaththu destroyed Trinbago’s chase with the ball. Her spell of 4 wickets for just 7 runs in 3 overs was a masterclass in off-spin bowling.
The Knight Riders collapsed dramatically, with only Lizelle Lee offering resistance through her battling 39 off 44 balls. Apart from Lee, none of the batters reached double figures, as Athapaththu and Sheneta Grimmond (2/12) ripped through the lineup.
The Knight Riders were bowled out for 78 in 15.3 overs, falling well short of the target.
Player Performances
- Qiana Joseph (BAR-W): 63 (52), 8 fours, 3 sixes – set the tone for Royals.
- Chamari Athapaththu (BAR-W): 14 (12) & 4/7 – named Player of the Match.
- Lizelle Lee (TKR-W): 39 (44) – lone fighter in a collapsing chase.
- Deandra Dottin (TKR-W): 2/22 and a run-out – standout for the Riders despite the heavy defeat.
Brief Scores
Barbados Royals Women: 137/6 (Qiana Joseph 63, Kycia Knight 33*, Deandra Dottin 2/22)
Trinbago Knight Riders Women: 78 all out in 15.3 overs (Lizelle Lee 39; Chamari Athapaththu 4/7, Sheneta Grimmond 2/12)
Result: Barbados Royals Women won by 59 runs.
Zainab Shafiq