The 3rd edition of the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) concluded with the defending champions Barbados Royals successfully defending their title against the Trinbago Knight Riders. Unlike the inaugural edition final, where the Royals fell short in a low-scoring encounter, this time they secured a 4-wicket victory by chasing down a modest target of 94.
Trinbago Knight Riders – 93/8 (20.0)
Put into bat first, the Knight Riders had a rocky start, losing the in-form Deandra Dottin (6) and Jemimah Rodrigues (2) by the end of the 3rd over with just 10 runs on the board. Promoted up the order, Shikha Pandey and opener Jannillea Glasgow then stabilized the innings with a crucial 43-run partnership. However, Aaliyah Alleyne struck in the 12th over, dismissing Jannillea for 24 (31).
In the same spell, Aaliyah Alleyne returned for the 14th over to dismiss the set Shikha Pandey for 28 (31), just a few balls after Jess Jonassen was run out for 6 (7). Continuing on her exceptional spell, Aaliyah in the 15th over, delivered a double blow by dismissing Chedean Nation (1) and Zaida James (1), reducing the Knight Riders from 53/3 to 72/7. Shamilia Connell contributed only 2 (4) before departing and amid the collapse, keeper-batter Kycia Knight’s unbeaten 17 (16), along with Anisa Mohammed’s 4* (8), pushed the team total to 93/8.
For the Royals, every bowler maintained economical figures, with Aaliyah Alleyne leading the wickets tally with 4/21 from her 4 overs. Hayley Matthews supported with 2/13 off 4 overs, as did Chinelle Henry with 1/13 from her 3 overs.
Barbados Royals – 94/6 (15.0)
In reply, Chamari Athapaththu began aggressively, hitting a flurry of boundaries, while Hayley Matthews anchored the innings from the other end. The opening pair racked up 46 runs in the powerplay, setting a solid foundation. However, immediately after the powerplay, 16-year-old Samara Ramnath struck a crucial blow by dismissing Hayley Matthews for 13 (12). Qiana Joseph then joined Chamari, and together they steered the Royals past the halfway mark without losing another wicket and 65 runs on the board.
The Royals lost wickets in a cluster in the final passage of play. Samara Ramnath dismissed Qiana Joseph for 14 (13) while veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed removed Aaliyah Alleyne for 2 (4). Laura Harris hit back-to-back boundaries off Shikha Pandey, but the latter had the last laugh, dismissing the very next ball for 15 off 6, followed by Rashada Williams, who was run out without facing a ball. Jess Jonassen then trapped Chinelle Henry lbw for 1 off 3, marking the Royals’ fifth wicket to fall in the fourth consecutive over, as they crumbled to 85/6.
Standing firm despite the middle-order collapse, Chamari guided her team to victory, remaining unbeaten on 39 (47), alongside Afy Fletcher (4* off 4), securing the win in 15 overs. Aaliyah Alleyne was named Player of the Match for her crucial bowling performance, while Hayley Matthews was awarded Player of the Tournament.
For the Knight Riders, Samara Ramnath spearheaded the fightback with 2/18 from 4 overs, supported by Anisa Mohammed (1/21 off 4), Jess Jonassen (1/20 off 3), and Shikha Pandey (1/19 off 3).
