Guyana kicked off their Women’s T20 Blaze campaign in dominant fashion, as they secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands in a low-scoring clash at Arnos Vale on Thursday.
Powered by sharp bowling from Sheneta Grimmond and Ashmini Munisar and anchored by a composed chase from Realeanna Grimmond and Shemaine Campbelle, Guyana stifled the Leewards to a modest 88-7 and then surpassed their target at 89-3.
The morning belonged to the bowlers, and none more so than Sheneta Grimmond, who turned in a match-defining spell of 3-15 that choked any momentum the Leewards hoped to build. Supported brilliantly by left-arm spinner Munisar, who grabbed 2-17, Guyana ran amok through the opponents’ lineup.
Leeward Islands’ decision to bat quickly looked ill-advised as they lost wickets at key intervals. Only Qiana Joseph, who made 25 off 41, and skipper Amanda Edwards, with 28 off 29 balls, provided any resistance. Edwards’ effort, laced with two sixes and a four, brought a spark of aggression, but no real partnerships materialized, as the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure, with Divya Saxena (12 not out) the only other batter to reach double digits.
Guyana’s chase was not without hiccups, but a level-headed approach ensured they crossed the line in 18.2 overs. Opening batter Realeanna Grimmond provided early stability with a run-a-ball 33 that included two fours and a six. She partnered with Katana Mentore (six) for a steady 42-run opening stand before falling to Rozel Liburd.
A mini wobble saw Guyana slip to 65-3, with Mentore and Shabika Gajnabi (10) falling in quick succession, but skipper Shemaine Campbelle brought her experience to bear. The West Indies stalwart calmly steered the chase with an unbeaten 23 off 25 balls, finding the boundary twice, while Cherry-Ann Fraser provided steady support with 11 not out. Sportsmax
