In a thrilling start to the 2025 CG United Women’s Super50 Cup, the Guyana women’s cricket team fell short by 11 runs against Barbados in their opening match at the Conaree Sports Club in St Kitts & Nevis on February 24.
Barbados, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a competitive total of 183/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Kyshona Knight, who played a patient knock of 54 off 122 deliveries, striking just two boundaries. The acceleration came from Aaliyah Alleyne, who smashed an aggressive 57 not out off 55 balls, including five fours and a six. Valuable contributions also came from Trishan Holder (27) and Naijanni Cumberbatch (21), helping Barbados reach a defendable total.
Guyana’s bowling attack was led by Sheneta Grimmond, who claimed impressive figures of 2-17 in her 10 overs. Ashmini Munisar, Cherry-Ann Fraser, and Plaffiana Millington each picked up a wicket, keeping the Barbadian batters in check throughout the innings.
In response, Guyana’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Katana Mentore and Realeanna Grimmond. Mandy Mangru held one end, scoring a patient 26 off 58 deliveries. Captain Shemaine Campbelle (25), Shabika Gajnabi (26), and Cherry-Ann Fraser (26) all made starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.
As wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, Ashmini Munisar provided a glimmer of hope with a quickfire 17 off 25 balls late in the innings. However, Guyana’s efforts fell short as they were bowled out for 172 in 47.4 overs, just 11 runs shy of the target.
For Barbados, Erin Deane was the standout bowler, claiming 3-33 in her 10 overs. She was well supported by Keila Elliott, who picked up 3-38, and Aaliyah Alleyne, who added two wickets to her half-century with the bat.
This defeat puts Guyana on the back foot early in the tournament, which features six teams competing in a round-robin format. The competition, running from February 24 to March 7, is being played across three venues in St Kitts: Conaree Sports Club, St. Paul’s Sports Complex, and Warner Park.
Guyana will look to bounce back in their next fixture against defending champions Jamaica on February 26 at the St Paul’s Sports Complex in Basseterre. With a substantial prize pool of US$30,000 for the winners and US$15,000 for the runners-up, the stakes remain high for all teams involved.
As the tournament progresses, it will continue to serve as a crucial platform for the development of women’s cricket in the Caribbean, providing valuable experience and exposure for the region’s emerging talent.
