Penfold and Taylor Lead Warriors to Cricket Finals

The fourth match of the 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) witnessed a compelling contest between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence Stadium on September 14, 2025. The Warriors emerged victorious, chasing down the Knight Riders’ total of 123/7 with five wickets and seven balls to spare. This win secured the Warriors a spot in the final, where they will face the Barbados Royals. The Knight Riders, on the other hand, suffered their third consecutive defeat, cementing their position at the bottom of the WCPL table.

Stafanie Taylor’s all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award. She contributed significantly with both bat and ball, first claiming the crucial wicket of Jess Jonassen and then anchoring the Warriors’ chase with a composed 39 runs off 44 deliveries. Taylor’s innings proved pivotal in breaking the back of the run chase and steering her team towards victory. Her controlled and calculated approach provided the stability needed to navigate the Knight Riders’ bowling attack, ensuring the Warriors remained on course for their target.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Trinbago Knight Riders struggled to build a substantial total. They were consistently hampered by wickets falling at regular intervals, largely due to the exceptional bowling of Molly Penfold. Penfold’s impressive figures of 4/17 from her four overs, showcased her ability to combine wicket-taking prowess with economical bowling, effectively stifling the Knight Riders’ scoring rate. While Jess Jonassen and Deandra Dottin offered some resistance with scores of 51 and 31 respectively, their efforts were not enough to propel the Knight Riders to a competitive total. Jonassen’s maiden WCPL fifty was a noteworthy achievement, but the final total of 123/7 always seemed below par on a decent batting surface.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors, in pursuit of 124 for victory, faced an early setback when in-form opener Realeanna Grimmond was dismissed cheaply, caught and bowled by Deandra Dottin. However, her opening partner, Amy Hunter, stepped up with a valuable contribution of 27 runs from 31 balls. Combined with Taylor’s steady innings, this partnership laid a solid foundation for the Warriors’ chase. Even after Taylor’s dismissal to Shikha Pandey with the finish line in sight, the remaining Warriors batters comfortably steered their team to victory.

The Trinbago Knight Riders endured a disappointing campaign in the 2025 WCPL. With three consecutive losses, their hopes of reaching the final were dashed. They will aim to salvage some pride and secure a consolation victory in their final match against the Barbados Royals on Tuesday. This encounter provides an opportunity for the Knight Riders to regroup, identify areas for improvement, and end their tournament on a positive note.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors, having secured their place in the final, will face the Barbados Royals in a preview of the championship clash on Sunday at the same venue, Providence Stadium. This match will serve as a crucial dress rehearsal for both teams, allowing them to assess each other’s strengths and weaknesses before the final showdown. It will also offer valuable insights into potential match-winning strategies and provide an opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills under pressure. The Warriors and Royals finishing on equal points adds another layer of intrigue to the final, promising a closely contested and thrilling encounter.