Barbados Royals have successfully defended their title after their 4-wicket victory against Trinbago Knight Riders in the final on August 29 at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. The Royals have now won consecutive titles in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. In what turned out to be a low-scoring final, Royal’s captain Hayley Matthews won the toss and asked the Knight Riders to bat. The Knight Riders batting line-up with the likes of Hayley Matthews and India’s Jemimah Rodrigues along with experienced Jess Jonassen failed to make a mark in the final with the team scoring a mere 93 in 20 overs. The royals chased the target in 15 overs despite Knight Riders' bowlers managing a comeback. Sri Lankan Captain Chamari Athapaththu’s 39 of 47 balls starring 7 fours turned out to be a difference in a thrilling low encounter.
Trinbago’s batters cost them the finals
The Royals were able to capitalize the momentum after winning the toss dismissing Deandra Dottin and Jemimah in the first three overs with just 10 runs on the board. Shikha Pandey and Jannillea Glasgow then stitched a crucial 43-run stand but the duo collapsed failing to take the innings to a respectable total. Royal’s Aaliyah Alleyne was the pick of the bowlers taking four wickets for just 21 runs in her four overs. The Knight Riders despite not getting bowled out managed to score just 93 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Only three of their batters could reach the double figures with Royal’s bowlers dominating the game.
Athapatthu’s miraculous save helps Royal defend their Title
The Royals got off to a flier with their openers Hayley Matthews and Chamari Athapaththu smashing 48 runs in just 6.1 overs. The chase looked like a cakewalk for Royal but Knight Riders valiant comeback kept them in the game. The bowlers kept taking wickets putting the Royals under pressure. Samara Ramnath was the standout bowler taking two scalps. The knight riders managed to take 6 wickets but Chamari stood tall holding one end ensuring she took the team home.
Two of the three editions of the Championships have been won by Barbados Royals, with the inaugural season won by TKR in 2022. The all-rounder duo of Chamari and Hayley Matthews was a vital cog, turning out to be a game-changer for the Royals. Matthews not only finished as a winning captain but also bagged the 'Player of the Tournament' award, taking the highest wickets in the league.
Player of the Match of WCPL 2024 Final: Aaliyah Alleyne (4-21)
Player of the Tournament: Hayley Matthews (147 runs and 11 wickets)
Most runs in WCPL 2024: Erin Burns (172 runs)
Most wickets in WCPL 2024: Hayley Matthews (11 wickets)
Great Catch Award: Karishma Ramharack
Best Celebration Award: Aaliyah Alleyne
