In a commanding display of composure and control, Windward Islands Women soared to their second win of the 2025 Women’s T20 Blaze, dismantling Leeward Islands by a resounding 53-run margin at Arnos Vale on Wednesday.
It was a contest that quickly turned one-sided, as Windwards combined a brisk batting foundation with a sharp, unrelenting bowling performance to cruise to victory in emphatic fashion.
Crafton’s counterattack sets the tone
After being asked to bat first, the Windwards opened with intent. Left-handed duo Nerissa Crafton and Jannillea Glasgow stitched together a pivotal 80-run stand at the top of the order, laying a rock-solid platform for the innings.
Crafton was the aggressor, unfurling a sparkling 52 off just 36 balls, laced with five boundaries and three sixes, and bringing up her half-century at a scorching strike rate of 144. Her innings radiated confidence and control, dominating the Leewards attack in the powerplay.
When Crafton fell—caught off Rozel Liburd—Glasgow anchored the innings with a composed 27 off 38 deliveries, rotating the strike and holding the line amid a brief Windwards wobble.
Momentum slips, but Edward and extras propel total
Despite the strong foundation, Windwards lost their grip momentarily, collapsing from 80 without loss to 125-7. A flurry of wickets saw skipper Zaida James (6), Afy Fletcher (2), and Earnisha Fontaine (3) all fall cheaply, as Shawnisha Hector (2-14) and Jahzara Claxton (1-17) sparked a short-lived Leewards resurgence.
Still, a fiery seven-ball 14 from Ashlene Edward provided a late burst, while 21 extras—including 14 wides—lifted Windwards to a defendable 129-7 at the close of the innings.
Fletcher spins a web as Leewards collapse
In pursuit of 130, the Leewards crumbled under pressure. The chase was derailed almost from the outset, as wickets fell at regular intervals and partnerships failed to form. Afy Fletcher, the experienced Windwards leg-spinner, led the charge with a mesmerizing spell of 4 for 11 from four overs. Her double-strike in the 14th over decisively ended any hopes of a Leewards revival.
Fletcher’s dominance was complemented by Jannillea Glasgow’s 2-13 and Zaida James’s 2-22, as the Windwards attack hunted in a pack, giving no breathing room to the batters.
Only Qiana Joseph (17) offered brief resistance before being stumped off Niesha Cherry, and once she departed, the collapse accelerated. Divya Saxena (11) and Shawnia Hector (10) were the only others to reach double figures as Leewards folded for 76 in 19.1 overs.
Windwards rise, Leewards reflect
The emphatic win reinforced Windward Islands’ credentials as genuine contenders in this year’s T20 Blaze. It was a complete performance built on explosive top-order batting and ruthless bowling—precisely the formula needed to go deep in the competition.
For the Leewards, the match served as a sobering reality check. In a tournament that rewards consistency and execution, they were thoroughly outplayed by a Windwards outfit firing on all cylinders.
