Athapaththu’s Four Wickets Propel Royals to Another Victory

The third match of the 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) witnessed a dominant performance by the Barbados Royals, solidifying their position at the top of the table with a resounding 59-run victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders. Held at the Providence Stadium on September 11, 2025, the match unfolded on a fresh track that offered a balanced challenge for both bat and ball. Barbados Royals captain, Chinelle Henry, won the toss and opted to set a target, a decision that ultimately proved strategically sound.

The Royals’ innings was anchored by a magnificent knock from left-handed batter Qiana Joseph, who top-scored with a composed 63 runs off 52 deliveries. Joseph’s innings showcased her ability to control the tempo and build a solid foundation for the team. While her opening partner, Chamari Athapaththu, contributed a relatively modest 14 runs off 12 balls, her impact on the match would be far more pronounced later with the ball. The pair forged a crucial 59-run partnership for the first wicket in just seven overs, setting the stage for a competitive total.

Despite the strong start, the Knight Riders’ bowling attack, spearheaded by Deandra Dottin, managed to stem the flow of runs and prevent the Royals from posting an even larger total. Dottin’s impactful spell saw her clean bowl both Courtney Webb and Captain Henry, while also contributing to a run-out that dismissed Georgia Redmayne cheaply. However, a late surge from Kycia Knight, who struck four boundaries, injected some much-needed momentum into the Royals’ innings in the lower-middle order, helping them reach a final total of 137/6.

Chasing a target of 138, the Trinbago Knight Riders’ batting line-up crumbled under pressure, succumbing to a disciplined and effective bowling attack from the Royals. They were bowled out for a meager 78 runs in just over 15 overs, a score that underscored their struggles with the bat. Lizelle Lee was the only Knight Riders batter to offer any significant resistance, scoring 39 runs off 44 balls. However, her efforts were in vain as the rest of the batting order failed to contribute meaningfully.

The Royals’ bowling performance was spearheaded by the exceptional Chamari Athapaththu, who showcased her all-round abilities by claiming an impressive four wickets for just seven runs in her three overs. Athapaththu’s devastating spell of right-arm off-spin earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Adding to the Knight Riders’ woes, Sheneta Grimmond also chipped in with two crucial wickets, dismissing Shawnisha Hector and Jahzara Claxton in consecutive deliveries during the second over, further destabilizing the chase.

The Knight Riders never recovered from the early setbacks, their batting line-up unable to counter the relentless pressure applied by the Royals’ bowlers. The heavy defeat marked their second consecutive loss in the tournament, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the WCPL table. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams highlighted the Royals’ dominance and exposed the Knight Riders’ vulnerabilities, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the tournament. The Royals’ comprehensive victory showcased their strength in both batting and bowling, marking them as early favorites for the title. The Knight Riders, on the other hand, will need to address their batting frailties and regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks in the tournament. The match served as a testament to the rising competitiveness of women’s cricket in the Caribbean and promised an exciting tournament ahead.