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By Samuel Peters
The Windward Islands delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat the Leeward Islands by 53 runs in the CWI Women’s T20 Blaze at Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown yesterday.
Nerissa Crafton’s explosive half-century and Afy Fletcher’s sensational bowling spell formed the backbone of the Windwards’ dominant display, as they successfully defended their total of 129 for seven by dismissing the Leewards for just 76 runs in 19.1 overs.
After choosing to bat first, the Windwards built their innings around a solid 80-run opening partnership between Crafton and Jannillea Glasgow. Crafton was particularly impressive, smashing 52 off just 36 deliveries, including five boundaries and three sixes.
Glasgow played the perfect foil with a patient 27 off 38 balls before both openers fell within a few overs of each other. The middle order couldn’t quite capitalize on the strong foundation, with only Ashlene Edward (14) reaching double figures as Shawnisha Hector (2/14) and Jahzara Claxton (1/17) pulled things back for the Leewards with disciplined bowling.
When the Leewards began their chase, they were immediately under pressure from a disciplined Windwards bowling attack. Qiana Joseph (17) showed brief resistance, but regular wickets prevented any meaningful partnerships from developing.
The star with the ball was undoubtedly Afy Fletcher, who claimed four wickets for just 11 runs in her four overs, including a rare maiden. Her variations proved too much for the Leewards batters to handle, completely dismantling their middle order.
She was ably supported by Glasgow (2/13) and captain James (2/22), who chipped in with crucial wickets at regular intervals.
The victory strengthens the Windward Islands Women’s position in the CWI T20 Blaze tournament while leaving the Leeward Islands Women with much to reflect upon as they look to bounce back in their next fixture against Trinidad and Tobago on Friday at 10am.
In other matches, Guyana — which is the only team to have played unbeaten in this year’s edition — picked up their fourth win, also on Wednesday, against Trinidad and Tobago after winning by eight wickets. They have booked their place in the finals on Sunday afternoon but will first play Jamaica on Friday, who picked up their second win as well on Wednesday against Barbados on the back of an even century from West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry.
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