Leeward Islands Women wrote history in the 2025 Women’s Super50 Cup, securing their maiden win in the tournament’s history with an epic one-wicket victory over defending champions Jamaica Women.
Full of drama, the Leewards also won their first win against Jamaica in any form. Ever-led by captain Amanda Edwards, who smashed a career-best 88* off 101 balls, stabilising a nail-biting chase and guiding her team to an unforgettable landmark.
Jamaica Women, who batted first, lost an early wicket with Chrishana McKenzie getting out cheaply, but opener Rashada Williams dominated the innings with an excellent 86. Her elegant stroke play set the scoreboard ticking, and she got a perfect partner in Abigail Bryce, who played a run-a-ball 72 attacking game. The vital partnership built a solid base, and it placed Jamaica firmly in control of the game around the middle period of the innings.
But Leeward Islands Women responded through Kimberly Anthony, who turned the match with an excellent spell, taking 5 wickets in 6 overs at an economy of 5.67. Captain Amanda Edwards and Jahzara Claxton also contributed two wickets each, adding to Jamaica’s woes. Although their batting was solid, Jamaica’s score was padded by the efficiency of runs, as Leewards gave away an expensive 30 runs in extras—something that almost proved to be the turning point in the end.
Leeward Islands Women suffered an early jolt in their pursuit, losing their top three batters under the scores of personal 30s. Yet, their skipper Amanda Edwards stood tall, leading by example with a calm and unbeaten 88. She stabilised the innings and soaked up the pressure, allowing her side to stay in touch despite frequent interruptions. Jahzara Claxton was also important in a supporting role, scoring 34 (52) to keep the chase going as the game was in the balance.
As the needed run rate increased, Kimberly Anthony’s timely 37(32) cameo provided momentum to the innings, turning the pressure back on Jamaica. The chase came down to the last over, with Leeward Islands having to keep their cool in the dying moments. With only one wicket to her name and three balls remaining, Edwards made sure her team reached the finish line, claiming a historic first-ever Women’s Super50 Cup win and first-ever against Jamaica in any format.
Reflecting on the victory, Leeward Islands head coach Percy Daniel expressed his delight, emphasizing the significance of the moment, “Not only the first win, but the first win in a 50-over in this tournament. I’m more than elated. This is long overdue.
“In our team meetings, we’ve always said that a top-order batter must carry the innings deep. That was exactly what Amanda did. We’ve been asking for one of our players to step up, and she did it for the first time in this tournament. We are grateful for that.”
The coach also highlighted the determination of skipper Amanda Edwards, who made the match her own. “She decided that today (Monday) was going to be her day. She said it this morning, and I told her, ‘All you need to do is prove to us that you can do what you’ve been promising over the years.’ And she did just that,” he revealed.
(Quotes sourced from Sportsmax)
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