By Sherdon Cowan- Guyana’s women’s cricket team bounced back in emphatic fashion from their opening defeat in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup, as they registered a commanding eight-wicket victory over reigning champions Jamaica at St Paul’s Sports Complex in Basseterre on Wednesday.
Mandy Mangru and Realeanna Grimmond were the architects of Guyana’s win, as both secured well-crafted half-centuries to anchor their team’s successful chase of Jamaica’s 175-run total.
Mangru displayed patience and precision in her 114-ball knock of 60, which included four boundaries, while Grimmond’s unbeaten 72 off 131 balls featured six boundaries and ensured Guyana comfortably reached 178-2 with two overs and five balls to spare.
The duo combined for a match-defining 109-run third-wicket stand after Katana Mentore (7) was run out with the score at 22. Their calculated approach frustrated Jamaica’s bowlers as they methodically took the total to 131 before Mangru was trapped leg-before-wicket by Jodian Morgan.
Captain Shemaine Campbelle then joined Grimmond at the crease and added an unbroken 47-run partnership to steer Guyana over the line. Campbelle’s composed 26-ball 23 further solidified the team’s resurgence.
Earlier, Jamaica’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, as they found themselves in early trouble at 84-5. Captain Rashada Williams (2), Chrishana McKenzie (6), Chadean Nation (32), Abigail Bryce (7), and Jodian Morgan (23) were all dismissed before they could make significant impacts.
A crucial 52-run partnership between Lena Scott (22) and Neisha-Ann Waisome (29) offered some resistance and guided Jamaica towards a respectable total. However, when both batters fell with the score at 136, followed by Celina Whyte (1), the team was once again struggling at 144-8. Late contributions from Corinne Howell (12) and Vanessa Watts (20) pushed Jamaica beyond the 170-run mark.
Guyana’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance, led by Plaffianna Millington, who claimed 3-16, while Shabika Gajnabi chipped in with 2-27.
With this victory, both Guyana and Jamaica now hold identical records of one win and one loss. (Sportsmax)
