KINGSTOWN — Leeward Islands Women strengthened their hold on a place in the T20 Blaze final with a composed four-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago Women on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to three matches and consolidating their position at the top of the standings.
With two preliminary games still to play, the Leewards now sit firmly in control of their destiny and, barring a late stumble, appear destined for next Friday’s championship match.
Bowlers set the platform
The foundation for victory was laid by a disciplined bowling display that stifled Trinidad and Tobago and prevented any meaningful momentum from developing. At the Arnos Vale Playing Field, the Leewards restricted their opponents to a meager 74 for nine from 20 overs, with only three batters reaching double figures.
Davronique Maynard and Amanda Edwards led the charge, claiming two wickets apiece as Trinidad and Tobago’s line-up faltered repeatedly under sustained pressure. Amelia Khan top-scored with 17, while Britney Cooper and Nadia Mohammed each contributed 12, but the innings never recovered after a steady collapse.
By the 15th over, Trinidad and Tobago had slid to 47 for seven and were left scrambling merely to reach a respectable total.
Steady start, late stutter
Chasing a modest target, the Leewards briefly stumbled with the early losses of Qiana Joseph and Shawnisha Hector. However, Reniece Boyce and Edwards quickly restored order with a fluent 55-run partnership that carried the score to 57 for two in the 12th over.
Boyce anchored the innings with a top score of 28, while Edwards added 27, placing the result firmly beyond doubt at that stage.
Ramharack sparks brief drama
Trinidad and Tobago’s off-spinner Karishma Ramharack injected fleeting tension into the chase, removing Edwards, Boyce, and Kimberly Anthony in quick succession. Anisa Mohammed compounded the pressure by bowling Maynard for a duck, reducing the Leewards to 73 for six.
Despite the late wobble, the outcome was never in serious jeopardy. Jahzara Claxton calmly guided her side to victory with an unbeaten 12, completing the chase at 75 for six in 16.1 overs.
Ramharack finished with impressive figures of three for 13, but her efforts came too late to alter the course of the match.
Momentum with purpose
For the Leeward Islands Women, the victory underscored a balanced formula built on disciplined bowling and controlled batting. For Trinidad and Tobago, it was another frustrating outing marked by missed opportunities and a lack of sustained resistance.
As the tournament moves into its decisive phase, the Leewards continue to set the pace, efficient, composed, and increasingly within sight of the final.
