Barbados Royals Women eased to a six-wicket win over Trinbago Knight Riders at Kensington Oval earlier this afternoon to register back-to-back victories in the 2023 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League.
Knight Riders captain Anisa Mohammed won the toss and decided they would bat first.
The toss was just about the only thing to go in favour of the Knight Riders as they were bowled out for 73 runs in 16.4 overs. Despite a couple of stumbles, the Royals finished on 79-4 in the 11th over to win with 57 balls to spare.
The Knight Riders got off to a horrible start as opener Marie Kelly slogged a full delivery from Aaliyah Alleyne straight up in the air to give wicket keeper Rashada Williams a simple catch. After that the bulk of the damage was done by the spinners who took eight wickets to reduce the chase to a formality. Australian off spinner and eventual player of the match, Erin Burns, dismissed Barbadian twin sisters Kycia and Kyshona Knight as well as South African Mignon du Preez to claim figures of three for 19 in four overs.
Captain Hayley Matthews ended with 2-16 as she returned later on to mop up the tail. Kycia was the top scorer for the Knight Riders with 15 runs off 20 balls.
A growing crowd at Kensington Oval watched eagerly as Lewis returned to guide Royals to a simple victory with a run-a-ball 27.
Her knock featured four fours, and came in a 40-run opening stand with skipper Matthews who fell on 19 from 12 balls.
Matthew hit a Marie Kelly low full toss into the hands of Connell at midwicket after two consecutive boundaries through the offside.
Left-arm spinner Fran Jones, a 19-year-old New Zealander, prised the wickets of Lewis and later Laura Harris in her two for 29 in 3.3 overs.
Close to the finish, Chinelle Henry joined Burns to ensure no further surprises or damage in a comfortable chase, which ended when right-hander Burns lofted Jonas over long-on for the only six of the match.
Two wins from just as many matches place Royals firmly on top of table on four points with their final home match against Guyana Amazon Warriors Women scheduled for 3:30 p.m. tomorrow at Kensington Oval.
The Royals Women then fly to Trinidad and Tobago for their last group fixture against Knight Riders in Port of Spain on Wednesday.
The top two teams will meet in the final September 10 at Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago.
Summarised scores: Trinbago Knight Riders Women 73 in 16.4 overs (K. Knight 15; E. Burns 3-19, A. Wellington 2-13, H. Matthews 2-16). Barbados Royals Women 79-4 in 10.3 overs (G. Lewis 27, H. Matthews 19, E. Burns 11 n.o., C. Henry 10 n.o.; F. Jonas 2-29). Royals Women won by six wickets. (JC)