The 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League got underway in historic fashion as the tournament made its first-ever stop in Providence, Guyana. Match one delivered a great battle with the home side, Guyana Amazon Warriors Women, facing Trinbago Knight Riders Women.
The Knight Riders won the toss and chose to bowl first. The Warriors accepted their fate, but things did not go according to plan early on, as Amy Hunter was dismissed in the second over while attempting a sweep shot, falling for a duck. That early setback brought seasoned campaigner Stafanie Taylor to the crease alongside local rising talent Realeanna Grimmond, and the pair began the repair work. Mixing caution with aggression, both batters found the boundary at regular intervals during the powerplay. By the end of six overs, the Guyana Amazon Warriors had steadied themselves at 35 for 1.
The partnership continued to flourish beyond the powerplay as Grimmond and Taylor kept the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation of strike while still managing to find the occasional boundary. Grimmond took on the role of anchor, providing stability at one end, while the experienced Taylor played the aggressor, applying pressure on the Trinbago Knight Riders’ bowlers. Their balanced approach ensured the Amazon Warriors maintained control of the innings, reaching 68 for 1 at the halfway stage after 10 overs.
The promising 70-run stand was eventually broken when Realeanna Grimmond, looking to accelerate her scoring, mistimed a shot and was caught at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Jahzara Claxton. Grimmond’s composed innings came to an end on 33 from 36 deliveries, which included four boundaries and a well-struck six. Her dismissal left the Guyana Amazon Warriors at 73 for 2 after 12 overs, shifting the momentum slightly back in favour of the Trinbago Knight Riders.
Samara Ramnath struck again soon after, removing Shemaine Campbelle for just five as the batter attempted a wild swipe across the line and was bowled, leaving the score at 89 for 3. The Trinbago Knight Riders then found further success when the well-set Stafanie Taylor was run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Deandra Dottin. Taylor’s crucial knock of 45 from 37 deliveries, scored at a strike rate of 121.62 and featuring five boundaries and a six, came to an unfortunate end. By the close of the 15th over, the Amazon Warriors found themselves in a tricky position at 91 for 4.
With five overs left in the innings, the hosts were eyeing a strong finish, but the Trinbago Knight Riders’ bowlers executed their plans brilliantly at the death. Shikha Pandey kept things tight with figures of 1 for 29, while Jess Jonassen was outstanding, finishing with 2 for 18. Despite the pressure, Chedean Nation provided some late resistance with an unbeaten cameo of 21 from 15 balls, ensuring the Amazon Warriors pushed their total to 129 for 7 at the end of their 20 overs.
Chasing 130 for victory at a required rate of 6.5 runs per over, the Trinbago Knight Riders looked set for a strong start. However, an early let-off came when Rashada Williams was dropped on zero by Karishma Ramharack. Williams failed to make the most of the reprieve, as she was soon trapped LBW by off-spinner Ashmini Munisar for just one. Meanwhile, Lizelle Lee took charge at the other end, finding the boundaries regularly and keeping TKR in control, with the team reaching 35 for 1 after the powerplay.
The experienced overseas duo of Lizelle Lee and Jess Jonassen steadily kept the scoreboard moving, rotating strike and finding occasional boundaries. The Amazon Warriors bowlers largely maintained disciplined lines and lengths, but with TKR needing 75 runs from the final 10 overs and still holding 9 wickets in hand, the chase remained very much within reach for the visitors.
The Amazon Warriors finally broke the key partnership thanks to a superb catch by Molly Penfold on the boundary rope, taking Jess Jonassen’s wicket for 22. Ashmini Munisar struck once again, this time dismissing the well-set Lizelle Lee, who had played a polished innings of 36. By the 13th over, the Trinbago Knight Riders were in a slightly precarious position at 71 for 3.
After striking a few lusty blows, Harris delivered the breakthrough by removing the dangerous Deandra Dottin for 14. With five overs remaining, TKR required 36 runs for victory, with Shabika Gajnabi and Jahzara Claxton at the crease. However, pressure mounted when Karishma Ramharack’s tough day in the field continued as she dropped Claxton on 10 – though Harris quickly made amends, bowling her for 15. Ashmini Munisar then returned to cap off a brilliant spell, dismissing Jannillea Glasgow for two and finishing with outstanding figures of 3 for 21, swinging the momentum heavily in favour of the home side. The collapse continued as TKR’s innings unravelled with sloppy play, including two run-outs, before they stumbled to 123 for 9. The Guyana Amazon Warriors sealed a thrilling victory, winning the opening match of the tournament by 6 runs to delight their home crowd.
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