By Anas Ahmed 
The final group game of the 2025 Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) saw the Barbados Royals extend their dominance, defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders by seven wickets to book their place in Wednesday’s final with an unbeaten record.
The Royals, already two-time defending champions, will now aim for a historic third title, while the Knight Riders bowed out of the season winless despite a valiant effort from Jess Jonassen.
Jonassen’s Fightback in Vain
The Knight Riders were desperate to end their season on a high, but early setbacks left them on the back foot. At 2/2 inside the first three overs, pressure mounted. However, Jess Jonassen held her nerve, anchoring the innings with a magnificent 71 off 52 balls, the highest score of the tournament at that stage.
She found support from Zaida James and later Shikha Pandey, whose brisk 24 helped TKR post a competitive 148/8 in 20 overs. Royals captain Chinelle Henry was the standout bowler, finishing with 3/25 to peg back the Knight Riders at crucial moments.
Pandey’s Early Strikes, Athapaththu’s Brilliance
The Royals’ chase began disastrously, with Shikha Pandey striking twice in two balls to reduce them to 3/2. The Knight Riders had their tails up, but that joy was short-lived.
Enter Chamari Athapaththu. The Sri Lankan star produced a breathtaking display of controlled aggression, smashing 89 runs from 71 deliveries, laced with 10 fours and 3 sixes. Partnering with Courtney Webb, who played a composed 50 not out off 42 balls, Athapaththu turned the game on its head.
Their record 145-run partnership, the highest of WCPL 2025, ensured the Royals cruised to 149/3 in 19.1 overs, sealing a seven-wicket victory with five balls remaining.
Royals Eye Third Consecutive Title
For the Knight Riders, Jonassen’s innings was a bittersweet highlight, overshadowed by Athapaththu’s brilliance just hours later. For the Royals, this win reinforces their reputation as the team to beat.
Undefeated in the group stage and carrying immense momentum, the Royals will now face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final. With two titles already under their belt, the Royals are poised for a potential WCPL three-peat, while the Warriors hope home support will inspire their first crown.
Brief Scores
Trinbago Knight Riders Women – 148/8 (20 overs): Jonassen 71 (52), Pandey 24 (21); Henry 3/25, Connell 2/33
Barbados Royals Women – 149/3 (19.1 overs): Athapaththu 89 (71), Webb 50* (42); Pandey 2/19
Result: Royals won by 7 wickets (with 5 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Chamari Athapaththu (89 off 71)
Zainab Shafiq