KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — The Leeward Islands Women continued their commanding run in the T20 Blaze on Wednesday night, sealing their fifth consecutive victory with a composed seven-wicket triumph over the Windward Islands Women, clinched under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Already guaranteed a place in Friday’s championship match, the Leewards underlined their dominance with a ruthless all-round performance that left little doubt about their credentials as title favorites.
Bowling blitz sets the tone early
The contest was effectively decided in the first innings as the Leeward Islands bowlers dismantled the Windward Islands line-up, restricting them to a meager 69 for nine from the full 20 overs.
Shawnisha Hector spearheaded the assault with a spell of outstanding control and precision, finishing with figures of three for five from four overs. She struck immediately, removing opener Amiah Gilbert for a duck, and then trapped Windward Islands captain Zaida James leg-before wicket just three balls later, also without scoring, to reduce the score to two for one.
Claxton joins the collapse
Jahzara Claxton soon compounded the damage, ripping through the middle order with three wickets in quick succession. Earnisha Fontaine managed only one before falling, while Afy Fletcher and Carena Noel departed without troubling the scorers.
By the fourth over, the Windward Islands were reeling at 11 for five, their innings in complete disarray.
Late resistance pushes Windwards past fifty
A modest recovery came through the lower order as Abini St. Jean and Holly Charles attempted to restore some respectability. St. Jean top-scored with 16, while Charles contributed 15, helping their side creep beyond the 50-run mark.
Claxton closed with three for 20 from three overs, while Davronique Maynard provided effective support with two for 15.
Rain shortens chase, not confidence
Persistent rain intervened ahead of the Leeward Islands’ reply, trimming their target to 59 from 14 overs. Any lingering suspense, however, was swiftly erased.
Despite losing Qiana Joseph, Shawnisha Hector, and captain Amanda Edwards to slip to 24 for three, the Leewards remained composed.
Claxton and Boyce seal the deal
Claxton returned with the bat to deliver a decisive, unbeaten 23 off just 15 balls, an innings highlighted by three fours and a towering six. She was expertly supported by Reniece Boyce, whose unbeaten 14 from 24 balls anchored the chase.
The pair shared an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 35, guiding the Leeward Islands to their target in just 8.4 overs and completing a clinical victory.
With an unblemished record and momentum firmly on their side, the Leeward Islands Women now turn their attention to Friday’s final, where they will face Barbados Women in a clash that promises to crown the T20 Blaze champions.
