By Anas Ahmed 
The Barbados Royals Women held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to defeat the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women by just three runs in the fifth match of the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League 2025. The contest, played at Providence, was a dress rehearsal for Wednesday’s final, and it lived up to the billing with drama till the very last ball.
Royals Set a Fighting Total
Opting to bat first, the Royals had an early wobble with Qiana Joseph (8) falling cheaply. But experienced campaigner Chamari Athapaththu anchored the innings with a patient 37 off 42 balls. Her innings steadied the side after the loss of early wickets.
Skipper Chinelle Henry then provided the late impetus, smashing 46 not out from 34 balls. Her counterattack lifted the Royals to 132/6 in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive on a slightly tricky surface.
For the Warriors, Laura Harris was once again among the wickets, finishing with 3/28 in her four overs, while Nyia Latchman (1/24) kept things tight.
Hunter Fights, Athapaththu Strikes
Chasing 133, the Warriors were banking on a strong start but suffered setbacks as Athapaththu struck with the ball too. The Sri Lankan star picked up 3/25, including the crucial dismissals of Realeanna Grimmond and skipper Shemaine Campbelle.
Despite the setbacks, Amy Hunter played a lone hand. Her elegant 63 off 50 balls kept the chase alive. Supported briefly by Campbelle’s 40 (40), Hunter held one end together as wickets kept tumbling.
Final Over Drama
The chase came down to the final over with the Warriors needing 11 runs off six balls. Aaliyah Alleyne was entrusted with the ball and delivered under pressure. She trapped Hunter lbw with the first delivery, swinging the contest back towards the Royals.
Ashmini Munisar briefly reignited hopes with a boundary off the penultimate ball, leaving four runs needed off the last. But she couldn’t clear the rope again, and a desperate attempt for a second run saw Nyia Latchman run out. The Warriors fell agonizingly short at 129/8, handing the Royals victory by three runs.
Brief Scores
Barbados Royals Women 132/6 (20 overs): Chinelle Henry 46* (34), Chamari Athapaththu 37 (42); Laura Harris 3/28, Nyia Latchman 1/24
Guyana Amazon Warriors Women 129/8 (20 overs): Amy Hunter 63 (50), Shemaine Campbelle 40 (40); Chamari Athapaththu 3/25, Afy Fletcher 2/28
Result: Barbados Royals Women won by 3 runs
Player of the Match: Chamari Athapaththu (37 & 3/25)
Zainab Shafiq