Defending champions, Barbados women motored to the final of the CG Insurance women’s Super50 Cup after beating Trinidad and Tobago women by nine wickets yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence.
Trinidad won the toss and opted to bat after a late start and with rain hampering their innings, the twin island republic ladies reached 133 all out in 31.2 overs. Barbados then reached 137 for one in 30.2 overs with 16 balls remaining according to Duckworth Lewis and Stern Method.
Barbados’ chase was once again piloted by their captain, Hayley Matthews who finished on an even 50 not out from 86 balls. The right-handed opener struck two boundaries during her second half-century in three innings and added 61 for the opening wicket with Kycia Knight who made 32 from 50 balls while hitting three boundaries before being dismissed by Leandra Ramdeen.
Knight was replaced by her twin sister, Kyshona, who together with Matthews shared an unbroken partnership of 78. Kyshona Knight ended on 49 not out form 45 balls with her innings featuring seven fours and one six.
Earlier, Trinidad reached 21 without loss after just 16 balls before rain flooded Providence. However, within three hours, play was possible and Aaliyah Alleyne ran through the batting order to end with 4-31 and was supported by Matthews who grabbed 3-20.
Lee-Ann Kirby was the lone batter to show any resistance with 41 from 74 balls, adding 50 for the ninth wicket with Ramdeen (10) as no other batter reached double figures. Barbados were sloppy with the ball, gifting 53 extras.
After the match, Matthews said, “I think going out to bowl first, obviously the rain was around we were hoping to restrict Trinidad to a good total. I think we are a bit disappointed with the amount of extras we bowled causing them to get up to 140 [133] but I think our batters did a fantastic job.”
Barbados will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Guyana and Jamaica today to see who they will face in Saturday’s final.
