WOMEN’S T20 BLAZE: Guyana depart for St. Vincent with title defence in sight

Fresh off a rigorous six-day “high-intensity” encampment, Guyana’s senior women’s squad departed for St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday, carrying the weight of expectation as defending Cricket West Indies Regional Women’s T20 Blaze champions.

The squad, led by the experienced West Indies international Shemaine Campbelle, will be eyeing a clean sweep of the silverware as they balance their title defence with a quest for the 50-over Regional Championship title.

The preparation phase, split between the Everest Cricket Ground and Lusignan, was less about finding form and more about “tactical execution and match-simulation,” according to team management.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Tremayne Smartt and Assistant Coach/Manager, Clive Grimmond, the camp prioritised fitness conditioning to handle the quick turnaround between the T20 and 50-over formats.

Campbelle, whose leadership has been a stabilising force for the national side, is flanked by vice-captain Ashmini Munisar.

The roster remains heavy on international experience, featuring the likes of Shabika Gajnabi and the Grimmond duo (Sheneta and Realeanna), providing the necessary depth for the Arnos Vale conditions.

Guyana’s defence begins with a  fixture against the Windward Islands on January 13 from 09:30h,

The Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium will host all of the T20 matches.

“The team’s blend of experience and leadership has created a positive and confident environment,” Guyana Cricket Board  President Bissoondyal Singh noted ahead of the team’s departure. “We believe the squad is well-positioned to perform creditably while defending their title.” (Modified Press Release from the GCB)

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