Regional Women’s T20 Blaze: Guyana lose thriller to Barbados

Barbados edged Guyana by three wickets in a thrilling match in Round Two of the Regional Women’s T20 Blaze, played at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis.

Guyana posted 91-3 in their allotted 20 overs, but Barbados overtook that score by posting 92-7 in 19.5 overs, to win the game on the penultimate ball of the match.

Guyana reached their score through the efforts of a returning Cherry-Ann Fraser, who scored 35 from 51 balls. Her unbeaten innings had one four, while Katana Mentore struck an unbeaten 32 from 46 balls, which had two fours. The duo featured in a 69-run unbroken stand that took Guyana to 91-3.

Shenata Grimmond (00), Shemaine Campbelle (08), and Mandy Mangru (06) all failed with the bat. Shamilia Connell, Allison Gordon, and Shakera Selman each took one wicket for Barbados.

In reply, Barbados reached their target through Selman’s unbeaten 17. Trishan Holder had top-scored with 19, but Barbados were on the verge of their second defeat of the tournament.

Left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz bowled with remarkable control to find herself on a hat trick. She was the best Guyanese bowler, taking 3-13 in 4 mesmerizing overs. Millington, bowling the final over, was tasked with defending five runs. Guyana had a good start when Fraser ran out Connell at the non-striker’s end, but Selman and Aaliyah Williams held their nerve to take Barbados over the line with one ball to spare.