Jamaica Women start title defence with victory over T&T - Barbados, Windwards also secure wins in CG United Women’s Super50 Cup

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts:

Defending champions Jamaica Women kicked off their CG United Women's Super50 Cup campaign with a nervy, but ultimately convincing 51-run victory over Trinidad & Tobago Women at Warner Park yesterday.

Meanwhile, Barbados Women edged out Guyana Women in a thrilling contest, and the Windward Islands Women delivered a crushing eight-wicket win over the Leeward Islands Women in the opening matches of the tournament in St Kitts.

AT WARNER PARK:

Jamaica, led by a composed half-century of 51 from Rashada Williams and a solid 49 from Stafanie Taylor, posted a competitive total of 223 all out in 49.5 overs after opting to take the first strike.

Williams faced 85 balls and hit four fours in her knock, while Taylor faced 56 balls and hit six fours. Chedean Nation also chipped in with a valuable 37, while Trinidad & Tobago's Anisa Mohammed spearheaded the bowling attack with 3-40.

In reply, T&T Women struggled to build momentum, eventually being bowled out for 172 in 46.4 overs. Steffie Soogrim, Karishma Ramharack and Djenaba Joseph all contributed with 30-plus scores, but Vanessa Watts' 3-34 ensured Jamaica held their nerve and maintained control of the contest right to the end.

AT CONAREE SPORTS CLUB

Barbados Women secured a hard-fought 11-run victory over Guyana Women in a tightly contested match. Barbados posted 183-5 in their 50 overs, thanks to a half-century from Aaliyah Alleyne (57 not out) and a solid 54 from Kyshona Knight.

Allyne, batting at number six, faced 55 balls and hit five fours and a six, while Knight was more patient by facing 122 balls and hitting just two fours. Sheneta Grimmond was the pick of the bowlers for the Guyanese with 2-17.

Guyana's chase fell just short as they were bowled out for 172 in 47.4 overs. Despite contributions of 26 apiece from Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, and Mandy Mangru. Barbados' bowlers held their nerve as Erin Deane (3-33) and Keila Elliott (3-38) were instrumental in sealing the win for Barbados.

AT ST PAUL'S SPORTS COMPLEX:

The Windward Islands Women sent a strong message to the competition with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Women. The Leewards were skittled out for a paltry 93 in just 28 overs, with veteran leg spinner Afy Fletcher wreaking havoc with a sensational 5-15 from seven overs.

In response, the Windwards chased down the target in just 13.5 overs, finishing on 94-2. Jannillea Glasgow led the charge with 11 boundaries in her unbeaten 55, while the diminutuve Zaida James chipped in with 21.

- CMC