By Avenash Ramzan
Guyana’s chances of winning a maiden Regional Women’s title ended on Saturday afternoon after Jamaica coasted to a seven-wicket victory in Round Three of the Cricket West Indies CG United Women’s T20 Blaze competition at the National Stadium, Providence.
In a match played primarily in overcast conditions, Guyana posted 90-6 from the allotted 20 overs and Jamaica, despite an early wobble, replied with 92-3 in 17.5 overs.
It was Guyana’s second defeat in three matches, to go with a rained out contest, and the host nation has only two points.
Even if the Shemaine Campbelle-led side win their final two games- against Leeward Islands on Monday and Windward Islands on Tuesday, both at 19:00h- they would end on only 10 points.
Jamaica and defending champions Barbados have won all three of their games are top of the table on 12 points.
Batting first, Guyana’s top order struggled with Lashauna Toussaint (11), Katana Mentore (0), Sheneta Grimmond (0) and Campbelle (10) all falling cheaply.
It took some spirited batting from Vice-captain Shabika Gajnabi and Cherry-Ann Fraser to stave off the Jamaicans, however, their efforts proved futile in the end.
While Gajnabi remained unbeaten on 26 off 30 balls (1×4), Fraser had to retire hurt on 20 off 27 (1×4) due to a knee injury. Chinelle Henry took 3-12 and C. Howell 2-19.
With Fraser injured, Guyana started with a bowler short, but the experienced Tremayne Smartt knocked back the stumps of Natasha McLean (0) and trapped captain Stafanie Taylor leg before 10 at 20-2 in the fifth over to spark jubilation in the Guyana camp.
However, Rashada Williams and Cheadan Nation brought some stability to the run-chase, adding 68 for the third wicket, before Gajnabi dismissed Nation leg before for 32 off 39 balls (4x4s).
Williams stayed to the end, scoring 41* off 52 (6x4s), with Henry as company on four not out.
In the earlier Round Three game, Barbados trounced the Windward Islands by 10 wickets.
The final match of Round Three features Trinidad and Tobago and the Leeward Islands from 19:00h on Saturday.
All matches are being played at the National Stadium, Providence.
