Leewards land T/20 Blaze title THE L
THE LEEWARDS confirmed that they were the hottest team in the 2026 Cricket West Indies T/ 20 Blaze Senior Women’s Cricket Competition, that ended last Friday, January 23, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.
A six-run win over Barbados via the Duckworth/ Lewis/Stern method, landed the Leewards their first lien on the regional title.
Led by their captain, Shawnisha Hector who scored 58 off 44 balls including seven fours and two sixes, and Reniece Boyce, who contributed 26 off 32 balls, the Leewards reached 111 for 6 from their 20 overs.
Aliyah Alleyne claimed 2 for 14, and Shamilia Connell 2 for 18, bowling for Barbados.
In a true final, Barbados was 79 for 5 from 16 overs, 33 runs in arrears and four overs to go, when a heavy shower descended on the venue forcing the match to end.
Barbados though were behind by six runs on the DLS method, as the Leewards players celebrated victory and the overall title.
Eboni Brathwaite made 26, and Aaliyah Alleyne contributed 16 not out.
Rozel Liburd was the Leewards’ best bowler taking 2 for 12, while Hector was named Player of the Final.
The Leewards played unbeaten in the competition and collected a cheque for $US 20,000 with Barbados earning US$ 10, 000.
Before the final, Trinidad and Tobago took third place, beating Guyana by seven runs.
Batting first, Trinidad and Tobago were restricted to 104 for 7 off their 20 overs. Britney Cooper struck 46 off 44 balls.
Bowling for Guyana, Ashmini Munisar picked up 4 for 15, and Danellie Mans grabbed 2 for 14.
In reply, Guyana were dismissed for 97 in 19.4 overs. Shabika Gajnabi top-scored with 32, and Realannda Grimmond made 20. Karishma Ramharack claimed 3 for 13, while Shalini Samaroo and Anisa Mohammed took 2 for 16 and 2 for 17, respectively.
And Jamaica saw off the Windwards by 10 wickets to emerge fifth after Saturday’s first match.
The Windwards scored 62 for 9 from their 20 overs; Zaida James- 24.
Bowling for Jamaica,Vanessa Watts took 3 for 5; and Stafanie Taylor had 2 for 13.
Jamaica made 65 without loss from just 3.4 overs. Chedean Nation made 23 not out, and Rashada Williams contributed 21 not out.
Attention now shifts to the 50 over format which starts today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The fixtures show Barbados playing the Leewards at Park Hill; the Windwards face Trinidad and Tobago at the Sion Hill Playing Field; and at the Cumberland Playing Field, Jamaica take on Guyana.
