Tactical prowess and discipline in focus as Guyana women eye historic regional double

A year after their breakthrough maiden T20 Blaze title, Guyana’s women are heading to St Vincent and the Grenadines with a target on their backs and a new, loftier ambition: the regional double.

Speaking to News Room Sport at the conclusion of an outdoor net session at Lusignan on Monday—the squad’s first taste of turf since encampment began on January 2—head coach Tremayne Smartt was unequivocal about what it will take to maintain their upward trajectory.

For Smartt, the 2026 campaign will not be won on talent alone, but on “tactical cohesion” and a rigid adherence to defined roles.

“Sticking to the plan will be the deciding factor,” Smartt said. “The attention at present is ensuring the ladies understand the plan and play to specified roles, while hoping that the senior players act as the leaders they are.”

Guyana enter the T20 Blaze as defending champions for the first time in their history.

Their 2025 triumph ended a long-standing drought and signalled a shift in the power dynamics of Caribbean women’s cricket, which Jamaica and Barbados had long dominated.

However, the ‘double’ remains the ultimate prize, and while Guyana have proven their mettle in the shortest format, the regional 50-over title has remained elusive.

The two tournaments will run from January 13 to 31.

To bridge that gap, Smartt is banking on a blend of international experience and the fearlessness of youth as the squad, led by West Indies veteran Shemaine Campbelle, remains heavy on international pedigree as Guyana possesses a tactical floor higher than most of their regional rivals.

“Several seniors in the squad have become mainstays in the West Indies team,” Smartt noted, emphasising that their role is as much about mentorship as it is about runs and wickets.

“It’s about the young ones being able to ask questions and the seniors showing them how to fight when the game is on the line.”

While the veterans provide the stability, the inclusion of fresh faces like Analesia D’Aguiar and Tremaine Marks suggests a focus on the future.

Smartt admitted that while the junior ranks may not be blessed with numerous matches, their consistent presence within the national setup has prepared them for the rigours of a dual-tournament tour.

Guyana Squad: Shemaine Campbelle (capt), Ashmini Munisar (vc), Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Realeanna Grimmond, Daneille Manns, Kaysia Schultz, Laurene Williams, Latoya Williams, Analesia D’Aguiar, Plaffianna Millington, Mandy Mangru, Feona Benjamin, Tremaine Marks.

MORE PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/newsroomgy/posts/pfbid0Pg9Xv4tY3vwxN8515gAxLnPuG8nuAQ1fjJjSg4SioSh5QrGxmUxE5zezkBJR7Xwil