Guyana women made a strong start to their Cricket West Indies (CWI) T20 Blaze campaign, cruising to a seven-wicket win over Leeward Islands on Thursday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Asked to bowl first on May 1, Guyana’s attack kept things tight, limiting the Leewards to just 88 for 7 from their 20 overs. In reply, Guyana knocked off the runs with 10 balls to spare, finishing on 89 for 3 to open their account in the tournament.
Realeanna Grimmond led the way with a fluent 33 off 33 balls, striking two fours and a six to guide the chase after the early dismissal of Katana Mentore for six. Skipper Shemaine Campbelle held things together with an unbeaten 23, while Cherry-Ann Fraser added a calm 11 runs not out to see the job through.
Leeward bowlers Amanda Edwards and Davronique Maynard picked up a wicket apiece, but Guyana never looked troubled in pursuit of the modest total. Earlier, the Leewards struggled to find rhythm with the bat as Guyana’s bowlers applied consistent pressure throughout.
The win gives Guyana a solid platform in the T20 Blaze – Cricket West Indies’ flagship domestic women’s T20 tournament – which plays a key role identifying regional talent and shaping future West Indies squads.
This year’s edition features six teams: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas, and Windward Islands. Matches are being played at Warner Park in St. Kitts, with each side facing off in a round-robin format.
Guyana will be eyeing back-to-back wins as they continue their campaign against Windward Islands on May 3.
