In a performance that lit up the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Chinelle Henry authored a commanding, unbeaten century—the first of the 2025 Women’s T20 Blaze—to catapult defending champions Jamaica to a 62-run demolition of winless Barbados on Wednesday.
With Jamaica reeling at 11 for 3 after a nightmare start, Henry’s breathtaking 100 not out transformed the innings and ultimately the outcome.
Facing a rampant Shamilia Connell, who ripped through Jamaica’s top order with clinical precision—removing Jodian Morgan, Chedean Nation, and Abigail Bryce—Henry arrived to bat with her side in crisis.
But what followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression and calculated risk. Partnering with opener Rashada Williams in a rescue mission worth 70 runs, Henry began to steady the ship. Williams played the supporting role to perfection with a measured 25 off 42 deliveries, rotating the strike and providing Henry the space to take over.
Acceleration in overdrive
When Williams and Keneshia Ferron departed in quick succession—leaving Jamaica 105 for 5 in the 17th over—Henry found a quiet ally in Lena Scott, who managed just three runs but stayed long enough for the fireworks to continue. What came next was pure spectacle.
In the penultimate over, Henry unleashed a savage assault on off-spinner Naijanni Cumberbatch, bludgeoning 29 runs with five consecutive boundaries, catapulting herself into the 90s in stunning fashion. She reached her landmark with dramatic flair, scrambling two runs off the final delivery—bowled by Connell—to bring up her ton.
Henry’s knock—100 not out off 49 balls—featured eight sixes and six fours, a perfect blend of brute force and tactical brilliance. Connell, despite her early success, finished with 3 for 14 as the lone bright spot in a flat Barbados bowling effort.
Jamaica’s total of 149 for 5 stood tall—both statistically and symbolically—as the highest individual performance and one of the most complete batting recoveries of the tournament thus far.
Barbados’ chase stalls in the shadows
In response, Barbados never truly entered the contest. Their run chase, requiring a modest 7.5 runs per over, lacked both purpose and penetration. Although they only lost four wickets, the innings was bereft of momentum or intent.
Naijanni Cumberbatch—perhaps seeking redemption after the onslaught—top-scored with a painfully slow 35 off 56 balls, while Asabi Callender added 30 not out from 46 deliveries. Together, they absorbed deliveries but offered little threat to the target.
It was a disciplined Jamaican bowling display, anchored by Neisha-Ann Waisome, who delivered an exceptional spell of 2 for 10, strangling any hopes Barbados harbored of sparking a late surge.
Barbados closed on 87 for 4—their fourth straight defeat—while Jamaica cruised to another dominant result, reinforcing their stature as defending champions and signaling that Henry’s bat may yet be the most dangerous weapon in this year’s Blaze.
