Barbados Women opened their T20 Blaze campaign with a hard-fought three-wicket win over Trinidad & Tobago.
Winning the toss and opting to field first, the Pride’s bowlers got off to a strong start as they restricted Trinidad & Tobago to a paltry 97 for 5 from their 20 overs.
Only veteran batter Britney Cooper provided stability, scoring an unbeaten 33 from 38 deliveries. Opener Karishma Ramharack gave brief support with a brisk 21, including two fours. The T&T team failed to build momentum in their innings.
Off-spinner Naijanni Cumberbatch led Barbados with 2 for 18.
In reply, Barbados cruised to 45 without loss, thanks to openers Eboni Brathwaite with 26 and Trishan Holder, who contributed 16.
Leg-spinner Brianna Harricharan then orchestrated a stunning collapse. She took a remarkable 3 for 8 in her four overs. Barbados lost seven wickets for just 49 runs, stumbling from 45-0 to 94-7.
All hope now fell on the experienced Shamilia Connell. She made 16 not out and anchored her team. Connell guided them across the line at 99-7 in the 19th over, securing a first win for Barbados in the competition.
