After an undesirable start to their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews is hopeful that her team can turn around their fortune and possibly challenge for a spot in the semi-final.

Matthews’ optimism follows their 10-wicket hammering by South Africa in their opening fixture in Dubai on Friday.

In that contest, Matthews believes her team failed to properly acclimatize to the conditions, as they mustered a meagre 118 for six in their 20 overs. South Africa, led by half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, then made light work of the target at 119 without loss in 17.5 overs.

However, with Scotland being the Caribbean side’s next assignment on Sunday morning, Matthews says they will have to pick up the pieces and bounce back.

 “Obviously a pretty disappointing game (against South Africa). Firstly, not scoring enough runs on the board, and we would have liked to have taken a few wickets and at least put up a bit more of a fight in the second innings,” Matthews said.

“But with a game in two days’ time, we’re going to have to get things back together quickly and pick up the pieces and go again,” she added.

Reflecting on the outcome against South Africa, Matthews felt her team was undone by challenging conditions.

“It’s pretty hot here in Dubai. I’d probably have to say the hottest place I’ve ever played cricket or even been, and that’s someone coming from the West Indies. It’s definitely been some difficult conditions. We’ve been here for about two weeks, thankfully, and we’ve been able to acclimatise as much as we possibly can to conditions like this,” Matthews shared.

She continued: “I think we came down here expecting some pretty good wickets. We’ve camped here quite a bit when we went to Pakistan in April, and we tend to spend some time down here training, so we knew what the ICC Academy grounds were like, and those were pretty decent wickets early.

“It wasn’t a bad wicket. South Africa showed you can really bat on a wicket like that and even us in parts. Stafanie Taylor was able to take charge of the game as well throughout the middle. I don’t think the conditions surprised us too much. We probably just didn’t adapt to them as well.”

Matthews also addressed concerns surrounding Zaida James, who was hit in the face, and Taylor, who appeared to be cramping and had difficulty running between the wickets.

“For Zaida, it was pretty much just a knock on her face. I think the seam might have hit her in the face, so she was in a bit of discomfort. There’s a bit of swelling around her jaw, but she’s a tough girl, so hopefully it’s just one of those knocks that you get on the field, and hopefully she’ll be able to be out on the field for the next match,” Matthews noted.

The West Indies Women’s team endured a disappointing start to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, falling to South Africa Women by 10 wickets in their Group B opener in Dubai on Friday. South Africa's captain, Laura Woolvaardt, won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid off as the West Indies struggled from the outset.

The West Indies were reeling at 32-3 by the seventh over, with early dismissals of captain Hayley Matthews (10), Qiana Joseph (4), and Deandra Dottin (13). Former captain Stafanie Taylor tried to steady the innings with an unbeaten 44 off 41 balls, but her efforts were not enough to build any significant partnerships as wickets continued to fall around her. Contributions from Shemaine Campbell (17) and Zaida James (15) offered little resistance, and the team managed to post a modest total of 118-6 from their 20 overs.

South Africa’s bowlers were in fine form, with Nonkululeko Mlaba leading the attack, taking 4-29 with her slow left-arm spin. Marizanne Kapp provided strong support, claiming 2-14 as the West Indies struggled to accelerate.

In response, South Africa made light work of the chase, reaching 119-0 in 17.5 overs without losing a wicket. Woolvaardt anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 55 balls, including seven fours. Her opening partner, Tazmin Brits, was equally effective, scoring 57 not out from 52 deliveries, striking six boundaries as they capitalized on a lacklustre West Indies bowling attack.

The defeat serves as a stark wake-up call for the West Indies, who will need to regroup quickly if they are to advance in the tournament. Their next match in Group B will be crucial as they seek to bounce back from this disappointing start.

Final scores in the match were West Indies Women 118-6 (20 overs) and South Africa Women 119-0 (17.5 overs), with South Africa securing a dominant victory in their opening game.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has taken a historic step by offering multi-year contracts to nine players from its senior men’s and women’s teams, marking a significant moment in the region’s cricketing landscape. This milestone follows the signing of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) in January 2024.

 As part of this groundbreaking agreement, six male players and three female players were awarded multi-year contracts based on their outstanding performances during the 2023-2024 evaluation period. These contracts highlight CWI's commitment to fostering stability within the team and its dedication to developing top-tier talent in the region.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, praised the move, stating, "The players have responded in kind, and the acceptance of multi-year contracts is an indication of clarity, confidence, and commitment on both sides. I’d like to congratulate the entire cohort on their contract awards, and I look forward to seeing them build on their performances in the next assessment period.”

Among the men awarded multi-year contracts are star wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope, fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales, along with rising talents Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. These players have been recognized for their consistency and pivotal contributions during the evaluation period.

 On the women’s side, all-rounders Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor, along with wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle, have earned multi-year contracts. Their leadership and performances have been key in maintaining stability within the women’s squad.

 In addition to the multi-year contracts, several players were also awarded one-year international contracts. For the men, these include established names like Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua Da Silva, and Rovman Powell, as well as newcomers Kavem Hodge and Roston Chase, who earned their first international contracts after impressive performances in 2023 and 2024.

 On the women’s side, notable players like Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, and Deandra Dottin continue to be part of the contracted group, along with emerging talents such as Cherry Ann Fraser, Zaida James, and Ashmini Munisar, the latter being awarded an international contract for the first time following her standout performances in regional competitions.

 As CWI moves forward with this historic contract structure, the organization hopes that these multi-year contracts will not only provide stability but also inspire further growth and commitment from the players as they build on their achievements and prepare for future international challenges.

The 2016 ICC Women's T20 World Cup win gets brought up in the group from time to time, mainly because it feels like it was so long ago. The older players often talk about the emotions surrounding that victory—not just what it meant for us but also for the younger girls watching as they were coming up through the system. As a team now, we're hoping to recreate that success, knowing how much of an impact it will have—not just on us but on cricket in the Caribbean, where the sport holds such huge significance.

We can see first-hand what we, as the older girls in the group, have done for the younger girls coming in now, and we would just love to be able to inspire another generation of girls coming up.

Looking at the present, we’re coming to a World Cup, and we want to win, who doesn’t? I think a World Cup is one of those tournaments, especially T20 World Cups, where, if you have some good performances on a big day, it can get you through the stages.

This is, if not our best, definitely one of our best squads that we have had at a T20 World Cup. We have seen a lot of our senior players really improve, like Shemaine Campbelle who has been so much more consistent lately. And players like Aaliyah Alleyne, who has stepped up and improved her game and has played more important roles in matches.

The thing that has been really good, is the camaraderie in the group, it feels like a massive, safe space and somewhere where everyone feels super comfortable. Even the young ones who have come into the group have been able to settle and gel really well with the older ones, and there is tremendous mutual respect, which is really good for us.

Spin tends to dominate World Cups, no matter where they're played. In women's cricket, especially, spinners frequently top the charts and rankings, so I believe spin will play a significant role. Fortunately, for us, we have got quite a few spinners in our arsenal, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, young Zaida James, and me.

We strongly believe that spin will play a major role, and the team has been selected with that in mind. Hopefully, as a spin unit, we can go out there and make a significant impact with the ball.

It’s hard to believe I’ve just reached 10 years in international cricket—it feels like the time has flown by, and in many ways, it still feels like I’m just starting out. I remember making my debut at Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, walking onto the field, nervous and trembling, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Looking back now, 10 years have passed, and I’m now the captain of the West Indies—so much has changed since that day.

One area I’ve struggled with early on is maintaining consistency, but I have been able to improve vastly over the last couple of years. I feel like if I can keep up with the consistency I have now and the performances I have now, I can hopefully finish this game as one of the best. I think I still have a long way to go, so I am just taking it one step at a time and trying to perform well every time I go out on the park, and whatever comes from it, will come from it.

Star all-rounder Deandra Dottin will wear West Indies colors once again as she was named on Thursday in the regional squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October 3-20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dottin is in line for her first international appearance since her 2022 retirement when the West Indies take on South Africa in their first group match on October 4.

The best cricketer in the world right now, Hayley Matthews, will once again lead the side that also sees the inclusion of regulars like Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Shamilia Connell, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle and Karishma Ramharack.

The squad also boasts a fine mixture of youth and experience with the presence of 19-year-old Zaida James and 20-year-old Ashmini Munisar, who both represented the West Indies at the most recent ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup.

St. Lucian Nerissa Crafton is the only member of the squad with no international experience while this will be the first T20 World Cup for Qiana Joseph and Mandy Mangru.

In addition to South Africa, the West Indies will take on Bangladesh, England and Scotland in Group B of the tournament.

After facing South Africa on October 4, they will Scotland on October 6, Bangladesh on October 10 and England on October 15.

The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals.

Full Squad: Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton, Shamilia Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph

An impressive all-round bowling performance and ice-veined innings from captain Hayley Matthews saw Barbados Royals defeat Guyana Amazon Warriors by one wicket with a solitary delivery remaining in a thrilling opening match of the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). 

 Matthews won the toss and chose to field first at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and her side restricted the Warriors to what was thought to be a below-par score of 118-9 off their 20 overs. The wickets were shared around between Royals’ seam and spin bowlers, Aaliyah Alleyne taking 3-21 from her four overs including the crucial wicket of a well-set Stafanie Taylor for 38.

 It was far from a comfortable chase for the Royals, the 2023 champions found themselves 44-3 and 50-4 during their innings but Matthews kept her head with wickets falling all around her, finishing unbeaten on 61 not out off 58 deliveries having batted through the innings to secure victory for her side and get the defence of their trophy off to a winning start.

An undulating match began with the Warriors struggling to get any momentum with the bat after losing both openers inside the PowerPlay. Captain Lauren Winford-Hill was bowled by a fast delivery from Alleyne that zipped off the floodlit wicket and Natasha McLean fended off Qiana Joseph to be well caught inside the inner circle by a diving Cherry-Ann Fraser.

At 59-2 after 10 overs the Warriors then lost wickets regularly in the second half of their innings which duly served to stifle their run scoring. 

 Stafanie Taylor played a typically classy knock, hitting four fours and a six to anchor the innings for the Warriors before Alleyne made the crucial breakthrough by bowling her with the second ball of the 17th over.  Amanda-Jade Wellington found turn and a kept a tight line for the Royals, the Australian leg-spinner finishing impressively with 2-19 off her four overs to set up a seemingly straightforward chase.

 The Royals also lost regular wickets in their reply, Shabnim Isamil the pick of bowlers for the Warriors,  picking 4-16 from her four overs and looking threatening with almost every delivery she sent down.

 Erin Burns pulled off an early contender for catch of the competition, a flashing drive by Georgia Redmayne seeing Burns produce a wonderfully athletic diving grab at point. Definitely one for the highlights reel and the repeat button.

 Chloe Tryon ensured the game went down to the wire by stitching together five consecutive dots to Shabika Gajnabi in a penultimate over that went for just one run.

 With seven needed off the final six balls, Winford-Hill entrusted 19-year-old leg-spinner Nyia Latchman with the final over. The teenager kept her nerve impressively but it wasn’t enough to stop Matthews using all her skill and experience to find the gaps in the outfield and get her side over the line at the last.

Stafanie Taylor will be back with the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

Taylor led the Amazon Warriors to the final of the WCPL in 2023 where her team finished as runners up. 

She will be joined by fellow retained players Shabnim Ismail, Karishma Ramharack, Shemaine Campbelle, Natasha McClean and Shakera Selman. 

The newly signed players for the Amazon Warriors are Australian batter Erin Burns who won the WCPL with the Barbados Royals in 2023 and South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon who was with the Royals at the 2022 WCPL. 

There are seven more spots in the squad left to fill and six of these players will be selected at the WCPL draft which will take place in July. The final spot will be the last overseas player which will be confirmed before the start of the tournament. 

The 2024 Massy WCPL will take place in Trinidad from 21 to 29 August will all seven matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. 

The Guyana Amazon Warriors squad before the draft is as follows: Stafanie Taylor, Shabnim Ismail, Karishma Ramharack, Shemaine Campbelle, Natasha McClean, Shakera Selman, Chloe Tryon, Erin Burns

The West Indies Women clinched a six-wicket victory in the third T20 International against Sri Lanka Women, securing a come-from-behind 2-1 series win in Hambantota on Friday. The top three of Stafanie Taylor, Hayley Matthews, and Shemaine Campbelle were instrumental in this triumphant end to a challenging tour.

Chasing a target of 142, the West Indies reached 142 for 4 with just one ball to spare, but the margin of victory belies the control they exuded throughout the chase. Campbelle remained unbeaten at the end, scoring a crucial 30-ball 41, guiding the visitors home.

The innings began with Taylor and Matthews putting on a 60-run opening stand in just 48 deliveries. Their partnership set the foundation for the chase, with Matthews then pairing up with Campbelle for a 44-ball 51-run stand. Matthews fell for a well-played 49, trapped leg before attempting to swipe one from Kawya Kavindi across the line, leaving West Indies at 111 for 2.

With the requirement at roughly a run-a-ball, Campbelle expertly navigated the remainder of the chase. Despite the late wickets of Chedean Nation and Aaliyah Alleyne in the 18th and 19th overs, which added some drama, smart running in the final over ensured there were no further blips, sealing the victory for the West Indies.

Earlier, the West Indies bowlers had put in a commendable performance after opting to field first. They got off to an ideal start by dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne off just the second ball of the innings, as the aggressive 18-year-old top-edged an attempted pull off Chinelle Henry.

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama responded well to the early setback with a partnership of 55 off 54 balls. However, Samarawickrama's dismissal, chipping one back to Afy Fletcher, and Athapaththu's departure, caught excellently in the deep by Shamilia Connell, who made up for an earlier drop, came at crucial moments. Athapaththu's 38 and Dilhari's 26 off 22 provided some resistance, but their wickets stunted Sri Lanka's momentum.

Some late blows from Ama Kanchana and Nilakshi de Silva pushed Sri Lanka's total to a competitive 141 for 7. However, Player of the Series Matthews and her teammates ensured that the chase was completed with precision, making light work of what could have been a tricky target.

The West Indies Women secured their first victory of the tour in Sri Lanka with a convincing six-wicket win in the second T20 International on Wednesday. The win, achieved via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, saw the West Indies chase down a revised target of 99 runs with nine balls to spare, leveling the three-match T20I series 1-1.

After rain interrupted play in Hambantota, the West Indies were set a DLS-adjusted target of 99 runs in 15 overs. The chase was anchored by Stafanie Taylor, who scored an unbeaten 28 off 26 balls, ensuring her team stayed ahead of the DLS-par score throughout the innings.

Captain Hayley Matthews and Taylor got the visitors off to an ideal start, putting together a 44-run opening partnership in just 6.5 overs. Matthews, who scored 29 runs, fell to an arm ball from Sachini Nisansala, but her solid start provided a foundation for the West Indies' chase. Taylor then took control, forming a crucial 18-ball 24-run second-wicket partnership with Shemaine Campbelle, who contributed a quickfire 16 off 13 balls.

Despite the subsequent dismissals of Campbelle, Qiana Joseph, and Chedean Nation, the required run rate remained manageable, thanks to the positive approach of the West Indies batters. Aaliyah Alleyne sealed the victory with three boundaries off Kavisha Dilhari in the penultimate over, extinguishing any hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback.

Earlier in the match, Afy Fletcher played a pivotal role in restricting Sri Lanka to 89 for 4 in 15.2 overs before rain halted their innings. Fletcher's impressive figures of 4 for 23 included crucial wickets that derailed the hosts' innings. Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne had given Sri Lanka a steady start with a 44-run opening partnership, but their efforts came at a conservative pace, just under a run a ball.

Fletcher's breakthrough came when she spun one past Athapaththu, disturbing her stumps and halting her at 26 runs. Gunaratne, who labored for 24 runs off 35 balls, was trapped lbw by a Fletcher googly in the 14th over. Fletcher's earlier dismissals of Imesha Dulani, who was bowled while attempting a sweep, and Harshitha Samarawickrama, who top-edged a delivery, had already put Sri Lanka on the back foot.

Kavisha Dilhari showed some promise of a late counterattack, scoring 14 not out off just six balls, including two boundaries, but the rain brought an abrupt end to Sri Lanka's innings, leaving them with an incomplete total.

With this victory, the West Indies Women not only leveled the series but also gained crucial momentum heading into the final T20I. 

In a dominant display, Sri Lanka Women's cricket team crushed the West Indies Women by 160 runs in the third ODI in Hambantota on Friday, securing a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep. Sri Lanka's innings, led by half-centuries from Chamari Athapaththu, Nilakshika Silva, and Anushka Sanjeewani, set an imposing target of 275 for 6, before Sachini Nisansala's maiden five-wicket haul dismantled the West Indies, who were bowled out for a meager 115.

After being put into bat, Sri Lanka started strongly with an opening partnership of 93 runs between Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne. Gunaratne fell just six runs short of her half-century, miscuing a lofted shot to Aaliyah Alleyne at mid-off. Despite losing two more quick wickets, Sri Lanka's captain Athapaththu steadied the innings with a vital 57-run partnership with Nilakshika Silva.

Athapaththu's innings came to an end at 91 off 106 balls when Afy Fletcher spun one through her bat and pad, leaving Sri Lanka at 156 for 4. However, any hopes West Indies had of restricting the hosts were dashed by Silva and Sanjeewani. The duo added 117 runs for the fifth wicket, propelling Sri Lanka to a formidable total. Silva scored 63 off 78 balls, while Sanjeewani contributed a quick-fire 55 off 46 balls. The pair's efforts saw Sri Lanka plunder 93 runs in the final 10 overs, ensuring a challenging target for the visitors.

In response, the West Indies struggled from the outset, losing both Rashada Williams and skipper Shemaine Campbell within the first six overs. The only resistance came from Chedean Nation and Stafanie Taylor, who put together a 57-run partnership off 82 deliveries. However, Taylor's dismissal, edging behind off Oshadi Ranasinghe, left the West Indies in dire straits.

Nation, who top-scored with 46 off 57 balls, was bowled by Athapaththu, reducing the West Indies to 69 for 4. From there, Nisansala took over, exploiting the grip and turn of the surface with her slow left-arm orthodox deliveries. She trapped Zaida James leg before and accounted for Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, and Qiana Joseph, all of whom fell attempting aggressive shots.

Nisansala completed her five-for by dismissing Aaliyah Alleyne, who chipped a return catch after a brief cameo of 27 off 27 balls. The West Indies' innings folded for 115, with Nisansala finishing with figures of 5 for 28, marking her first five-wicket haul in ODIs.

This victory marks Sri Lanka's second series whitewash against the West Indies and highlights the stark difference in form and execution between the two sides. The West Indies will need to reassess and regroup after a disheartening series, while Sri Lanka can take confidence from their dominant performances as they look ahead to future challenges.

After being snubbed for the previous tour of Pakistan, Guyana's Shabika Gajnabi makes a return to the West Indies Women’s team, as the Selection Panel named a 15-player squad for the eagerly anticipated series against Sri Lanka.

This exciting series, which starts next month, will feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), with the first match taking place on Saturday, June 15, in Galle.

Gajnabi, who along with her compatriots Ashmini Munisar and Plaffiana Millington were left out of the squad that enjoyed a successful outing in Pakistan, has been refitted in the Shane Deitz-coached team in place of Jannillea Glasgow.

The team is once again led by Captain Hayley Matthews who has been in exceptional form, supported by Vice-Captain Shemaine Campbelle.

Lead Selector Ann Browne-John explained the significance of the tour.

“The ODI series serves as a crucial stepping stone towards automatic qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup, providing an essential opportunity for the team to gain more valuable points in the Women’s Championship. The tour also allows the squad, during the T20I series, to continue to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which takes place in September in Bangladesh," Browne-John said.

"The similar Indian subcontinental conditions will help the team to refine their skills strategies, build synergy, and assess their strengths and areas for improvement against quality opposition. The experience gained here will be invaluable as they progress towards the T20 World Cup, ensuring they are well-prepared and in peak form for the challenges ahead," she added.

The ODI series in Galle from June 15-21 is part of the ICC Women's Championship, with the top five teams and hosts India automatically qualifying for the Cricket World Cup in 2025. The West Indies Women are currently sitting seventh in the table with, Sri Lanka eighth but level on points.

The team departs the Caribbean on Sunday for a seven day training camp in Colombo to prepare and acclimatise ahead of this important tour.

Full squad: Hayley Matthews (Captain), Shemaine Campbelle (Vice-Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams, Kate Wilmot

Match schedule

Saturday, June 15- 1st ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle

Tuesday, June 18- 2nd ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle

Friday, June 21 - 3rd ODI at the Galle International Stadium, Galle

Monday, June 24- 1st T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

Wednesday, June 26 - 2nd T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

Friday, June 28- 3rd T20I at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

Stafanie Taylor's brilliant innings of 73 runs guided the West Indies Women to a nerve-wracking two-wicket win over Pakistan Women in the second ODI of their series at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday.

Chasing a challenging target of 223 set by Pakistan, the West Indies found themselves in a tense battle, eventually reaching 225-8 off the final ball of the match to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Player of the Match Taylor was the linchpin of the West Indies' chase, anchoring the innings with crucial partnerships. Taylor's stand with Shemaine Campbell, who contributed a valuable 52 runs, proved pivotal as they shared an 88-run partnership for the third wicket. Captain Hayley Matthews also made a significant contribution with 44 runs before departing.

The West Indies Women looked poised for victory but encountered late drama, losing quick wickets that put the match on a knife's edge. Nida Dar's exceptional bowling effort (4-52) created tension in the dying moments, but the Caribbean side managed to hold their nerve.

In a thrilling finish, with the West Indies needing three runs off the final delivery, Karishma Ramharack smashed a boundary off Fatima Sana to seal the victory in dramatic fashion.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Women won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a competitive total of 222 runs. Sidra Ameen's half-century (50) and Bismah Maroof's valuable 65 laid a solid foundation for Pakistan, with the pair stitching together an 80-run partnership for the second wicket.

However, the West Indies bowlers fought back strongly, led by Chinelle Henry (3-37) and Ramharack (3-48), who inflicted crucial blows to derail Pakistan's innings. Afy Fletcher also contributed with the ball, taking 2-46 to restrict Pakistan's scoring.

Despite the loss, Pakistan Women showed resilience and fought hard throughout the match, setting up an enthralling contest with the West Indies Women.

Jamaica's women extended their unbeaten run and, by extension, inched closer to copping the Women’s T20 Blaze title, after the hammered Trinidad and Tobago women by eight wickets at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis on Saturday.

The lopsided victory underscored the Jamaicans rich vein of form as they close in on adding this T20 crown to their Super50 Cup honours. With three consecutive wins under their belts, the Stafanie Taylor-captained team entered the contest with their tails high and they restricted Trinidad and Tobago to 98 for eight off their 20 overs.

Natasha McLean's brisk 34-ball 41 then saw the Jamaicans to their target with 17 balls to spare.

Scores: Trinidad and Tobago women 98-8 (20 overs); Jamaica women 99-2 (1.7.1 overs)

In her usual aggressive style, McLean shared in a match-winning partnership with Rashada Williams (29), while  Chedean Nation, who ended unbeaten on 21.

McLean struck eight fours in her inning, as she first put on a 48-run opening stand with Williams, who had two fours in her 41-ball knock. After Mclean fell, Williams put on another 47-run partnership with Nation to ensure victory.

Earlier, Trinidad and Tobago were held together by a courageous unbeaten 44 from their captain and opener Britney Cooper, one of only two players to reach double figures.

She faced 53 balls and struck four fours, but she lacked support as wickets tumbled around her. In fact, a 23-run, fifth-wicket stand with Karishma Ramharack (15) proved the best of the innings.

Off-spinner Vanessa Watts led the Jamaica attack with three for 10, while seamer Chinelle Henry (2-19) and off-spinner Taylor (2-31) finished with two wickets apiece.

Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago all secured wins in the second round of the 2024 CWI Women’s T20 Blaze at Warner Park in St. Kitts on Tuesday.

In the day’s early game, Barbados secured a 19-run win over the Windward Islands.

The defending champions first scored 123-5 from their 20 overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

Opener Trishan Holder led the way with a 54-ball 68 including eight fours and a six while Aaliyah Alleyne provided good support with 28 off 27 balls including three fours.

Zaida James was the best bowler on the day for the Windwards with 2-28 from her four overs.

Erin Deane (2-12 off four overs) and Alleyne (2-17 off three overs) then starred with the ball for Barbados to restrict the Windwards to 104-8 from their 20 overs.

Captain Afy Fletcher tried her best with a top score of 28 while Namiah Marcellin hit 19.

In the day’s second game, Trinidad & Tobago dominated the Leeward Islands on the way to a comfortable nine-wicket win.

The Leewards, after winning the toss, were restricted to a paltry 78-6 from their 20 overs.

Jahzara Claxton, Divya Saxena and Shebani Bhaskar were the only batters to reach double figures with 25, 17 and 13, respectively, against 1-6 off four overs from Steffi Soogrim and 1-13, each, from Karishma Ramharack and Samara Ramnath.

T&T then needed only 11.4 overs to reach 79-1 and secure the win. Shunelle Sawh and Djenaba Joseph were the not out batters with 20* and 22*, respectively. Captain Britney Cooper also contributed 21.

The day’s final game saw Jamaica get their second win in as many games with a five-wicket win over Guyana.

After winning the toss, Guyana were only able to muster up 107-7 from their 20 overs.

Mandy Mangru and Captain Shemaine Campbelle led the Guyanese batting with 36 and 33, respectively.

Jamaica Captain Stafanie Taylor was excellent with the ball on her way to 2-12 from her four overs while Chinelle Henry also bowled well for her 2-22 from four overs.

Rashada Williams then followed up her 52 from the first game with 42 to help Jamaica reach 108-5 with eleven balls to spare.

Taylor provided good support with 33 as Nyia Latchman took 2-15 from 3.1 overs for Guyana.

The competition with continue with round three on Thursday with Trinidad & Tobago facing the Windward Islands, Jamaica facing Barbados and Guyana facing the Leeward Islands.

Newly crowned CG United Women’s Super50 Cup champions Jamaica opened their account in the CWI T20 Blaze with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Windward Islands Women at Warner Park on Sunday.

The Windwards, after winning the toss and batting first, posted 117-5 from their 20 overs.

Openers Qiana Joseph and Jannilea Glasgow were the chief scorers with 56 and 37, respectively, while Chedean Nation led the Jamaica bowling with 3-19 from her three overs.

Jamaica then needed only 16 overs to reach 118-3 thanks to a 35-ball 52 from Rashada Williams. Her opening partner Natasha McLean contributed 19 while Captain Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry were the not out batters with 16 and 13, respectively.

Zaida James took 2-16 from her four overs for the Windwards.