Boyce leads as Leewards stun Barbados

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

Out-of-favour West Indies batsman Reniece Boyce punched a half-century, and Leeward Islands’ bowlers then strangled Barbados to come away with a clever 12-run victory in the first game of the Women’s T20 Blaze here Sunday.

The 26-year-old Boyce, who played the last of her 12 internationals four and a half years ago, top-scored with 67 off 52 deliveries to propel her side up to 139 for seven off their 20 overs at Warner Park.

In reply, title-holders Barbados appeared good bets to overhaul the target with 33 runs required from the last four overs, especially with former West Indies left-hander Kyshona Knight (50 not out) and current international all-rounder Aaliyah Alleyne (23) involved in a critical 47-run, fifth-wicket stand.

With 16 needed from the final over, however, seamer Jahzara Claxton, who only turned 18 last Tuesday, held her nerve to concede only three runs and clinch Leeward Islands’ first-ever victory over Barbados.

Choosing to bat first, Leewards were lifted by Boyce’s enterprise, the right-hander belting a half-dozen fours and four sixes as she inspired a 35-run opening stand with Shebani Bhaskar (10) and a 51-run second-wicket partnership with Shawnisha Hector (14).

Sixteen-year-old off-spinner NaiJanni Cumberbatch then ripped through the middle and lower order with a spell of four for nine – including the scalp of Boyce holing out to extra cover at the start of the 18th over – as Barbados fought back gamely.

Leewards hit back early in Barbados’ chase, reducing the innings to 17 for three in the fourth over, after picking up the wickets of Zaliya Campbell, Trishan Holder and Cumberbatch all without scoring.

Pacer Hector rattled Campbell’s stumps as the right-hander missed a loose heave. Holder skied off-spinner Rozel Liburd (2-18) to backward point while Cumberbatch was brilliantly hauled in by a leaping Amanda Edwards at mid-off.

Kyshona attempted to rescue the chase, counting four fours in a 53-ball knock. She put on 61 for the fourth wicket with twin sister Kycia (37) before finding an ally in Alleyne.

At Warner Park: Guyana defeated Trinidad and Tobago by seven wickets in the second game.

Scores: Trinidad & Tobago 66 off 18.3 overs (Plaffianna Millington 4-5). Guyana 67 for three off 11 overs (Shabika Gajnabi 24 not out).