KINGSTOWN, St Vincent — Leeward Islands Women confirmed their place in the final of the T20 Blaze with a composed 31-run victory over fellow unbeaten side Barbados Women in a decisive top-of-the-table encounter on Monday at Arnos Vale.
With both teams entering the contest perfect after three matches and one round remaining, the stakes were clear: win and advance. The Leewards rose to the occasion, extending their unbeaten run and booking a direct passage to Friday’s championship match.
Middle-order collapse, late recovery
Asked to bat first, the Leeward Islands found themselves in deep trouble early, slipping to 47 for six inside seven overs as Barbados seized control through a devastating spell from Naijanni Cumberbatch.
Cumberbatch tore through the top and middle order, bowling opener Shawnisha Hector for six and removing Reniece Boyce, Amanda Edwards, Davronique Maynard, and Kayzg Boyles, all for ducks, in a ruthless five-wicket haul that threatened to dismantle the innings entirely.
Just when Barbados appeared poised to restrict the Leewards to a minimal total, the lower order mounted a vital counterattack.
Jahzara Claxton struck 22, Tonya Martin added a steady 23, and Rozel Liburd remained unbeaten on 11 as the final four wickets contributed a critical 71 runs. The recovery lifted the Leewards to a competitive 118 for nine from their full 20 overs.
Cumberbatch finished with outstanding figures of five for 15, while Shanika Bruce supported with two for 14.
Early breakthroughs set the tone
Barbados’ reply unraveled almost immediately. Trishan Holder was bowled by Shawnisha Hector without scoring, setting a nervous tone for the chase.
Eboni Brathwaite and Cumberbatch briefly steadied the innings with a 23-run, second-wicket partnership, but both fell within the span of three runs as Barbados slid to 26 for three.
Captain Aaliyah Alleyne and Asabi Callender attempted to rebuild, carrying the score to 51 for three, but their resistance proved short-lived.
Leeward bowlers close the door
Once the middle order collapsed, Barbados never recovered. Alleyne was bowled by Qiana Joseph for 15, while Amanda Edwards dismissed Callender for 17 via stumping and also removed Shakera Selman.
Joseph returned to trap Shamilia Connell, reducing Barbados to 63 for seven in the 14th over and extinguishing any realistic hope of a chase.
Barbados eventually limped to 87 for nine, falling well short of their target as the Leeward Islands bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
Joseph led the attack with two for 10, Hector claimed two for 13, and Edwards finished with two for 17.
Final beckons for unbeaten Leewards
The emphatic win confirmed Leeward Islands Women as finalists with a match to spare, underlining their depth, resilience, and balance across all departments.
For Barbados, the defeat ended their unbeaten run and left them to regroup, while the Leewards march confidently toward Friday’s final with momentum firmly on their side.
