Having dominated the group stage with victories over the Warriors and one win and one loss against the previous champions, Trinbago Knight Riders, the Royals secured their second-ever WCPL title at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
In their first-ever appearance as they lost the toss and were put into bat, the Royals managed to post a total of 169/7. Captain Matthews played a pivotal role, delivering a substantial score at a crucial juncture before the innings slowed down in the final few overs, keeping the Warriors in contention.
In response, the top scorer of the tournament, Sophie Devine, could only manage a decent start before some tight bowling restricted the required run rate, ultimately leaving the Warriors falling short.
The Royals got off to a blazing start, courtesy of Gaby Lewis, but she fell during the PowerPlay with the score at 37/1 after six overs. Matthews then took charge through the middle overs, forming the first century partnership of the competition alongside Rashada Williams. However, the Warriors made a comeback, limiting the Royals to 32/6 in the final five overs. After initially struggling to take wickets, Shabnim Ismail showcased her quality by claiming 4/30, dismissing all of the Royals’ top four batters.
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Similarly, the Guyana Amazon Warriors had a significant partnership in the middle overs after capitalizing on the PowerPlay. Suzie Bates and Shemaine Campbelle combined for a crucial 60-run stand.
The Royals’ bowlers did enough to restrict the run rate, thwarting the Warriors’ efforts despite a late surge led by Natasha McLean, who scored 28 runs off 17 balls, including 16 runs in the 17th over.
Matthews once again played a crucial role in key moments, running out McLean off her own bowling, with a touch of misfortune in McLean’s dismissal combined with brilliant reactions from the Barbados captain.
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The Royals’ bowlers maintained their economic form throughout the competition, with overseas star Amanda-Jade Wellington particularly shining with figures of 4/23, including an exceptional spell of 3/2 in the penultimate over when the Warriors required 23 runs from 12 balls.
Campbelle’s outstanding innings ultimately went in vain as Matthews successfully defended 21 runs in the final over, despite Ismail’s late cameo that briefly gave the Royals a scare.
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