Bermudian all-rounder Katherine Bean-Rosario and her Leeward Islands teammates enjoyed a dream start to their Cricket West Indies (CWI) T20 Blaze campaign, securing a gritty nine-run victory over a formidable Jamaica side.
Despite losing a wicket to the very first ball of the match at the Arnos Vale Ground, the Leeward Islands showed immense resilience to recover, posting a competitive 108-5 from their 20 overs.
The backbone of the innings was a brilliant half-century from Shawnisha Hector, who anchored the side with 55 off 55 balls. Bean-Rosario was not required to bat as the top order held firm against a testing spell from Jamaica’s Chedean Nation (2-15).
Jamaica’s chase was largely a solo effort from Nation, who followed up her bowling performance with a defiant unbeaten 48.
The game hung in the balance during a crucial third-wicket partnership between Nation and the legendary former West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor. However, once the Leewards broke the 48-run stand, the momentum shifted decisively.
- Leeward Islands: 108-5 (20 overs)
- Jamaica: 99-8 (20 overs)
- Result: Leeward Islands won by 9 runs
Hector capped off a superb individual day by taking 2-15, mirroring Nation’s figures and restricting Jamaica to just 99.
The victory provides the Leeward Islands with vital momentum in a landmark year for women’s cricket in the Caribbean. The T20 Blaze serves as the primary selection platform ahead of a busy international summer schedule.
