The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2025 witnessed yet another gripping contest as Barbados Royals (BR) edged past Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) by just 3 runs in a last-over thriller at the Providence Stadium. The Royals, led by the all-round brilliance of Chamari Athapaththu, defended 132 to register their third win of the tournament, leaving the home side heartbroken.

Barbados Royals post 132/6 after early struggles

Winning the toss, Guyana Amazon Warriors Women opted to bowl first, and the decision paid off with early breakthroughs. The Royals lost Georgia Redmayne (10) and Courtney Webb (1) cheaply, while opener Qiana Joseph (8 off 4) fell after a brief cameo.

Athapaththu, anchored the innings with a composed 37 off 42 deliveries, striking six fours and steadying the ship through regular setbacks. The standout knock, however, came from Chinelle Henry, who counterattacked with a brilliant 46 off 34 balls, laced with six fours and a six. Her aggressive approach provided much-needed momentum, guiding the Royals to 132/6 in 20 overs.

Among the bowlers, Laura Harris (3/28) was the pick of the lot, removing key batters at crucial moments. Plaffiana Millington (1/21) and Nyia Latchman (1/24) also chipped in, ensuring the Warriors restricted the Royals to a chaseable total.

Guyana Amazon Warriors falls short by 3 runs

In reply, Guyana Amazon Warriors’ innings revolved around opener Amy Hunter, who played a classy knock of 63 off 50 balls, hitting nine boundaries with precise stroke-making. Hunter shared a vital 78-run stand with Shemaine Campbelle (40 off 40), who kept the scoreboard ticking with two fours and a six.

At 110/2, Guyana appeared to be cruising toward victory. However, the Royals staged a remarkable comeback, breaking the partnership and applying pressure through disciplined bowling in the death overs.

The turning point of the match came when Athapaththu (3/25) returned to dismiss Campbelle and then struck again in quick succession. Her spell derailed Guyana’s momentum and opened the door for the Royals.

Supporting her, Afy Fletcher (2/28) kept things tight in the middle overs, while Qiana Joseph (1/1) bowled a stunning over at the death to remove Chedean Nation. Despite late efforts from Laura Harris (8 off 4) and Ashmini Munisar (7 off 5), the Warriors fell agonizingly short, finishing at 129/8 in 20 overs.

Player of the Match

There was little debate over the Player of the Match award. Chamari Athapaththu’s 37 with the bat and 3 crucial wickets with the ball proved decisive. Her ability to deliver in crunch moments defined the Royals’ hard-fought victory.

BR-W vs GAW-W: Key turning points

• Chinelle Henry’s counterattack lifted the Royals from early trouble.
• Hunter-Campbelle partnership kept Guyana in the chase until the 15th over.
• Athapaththu’s double strike in the death overs turned the match on its head.
• Tight bowling at the death, especially from Fletcher and Joseph, sealed the Royals’ win.

This article was first published at WomenCricket.coma Read company.