WCPL 2022, TKR-W vs BR-W: Kirby's all-round brilliance wins it for Trinbago

Trinbago Knight Riders Women vs Barbados Royals Women (PC: Twitter/@crickettechz247)

In a fitting start to the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2022, Trinbago Knight Riders Women gained a one-run win at the expense of Barbados Royals Women.

After Lee-Ann Kirby top-scored with 30 runs to push Trinbago's total to 114/7, she came back to claim a two-for in the second innings as Barbados lost by a whisker in the tournament-opener.

Needing 115 runs to win, the Royals kept on dealing with regular blows as the Knight Riders enjoyed a great run with the ball in the second innings. After a 29-run partnership between openers Aaliyah Alleyne and Hayley Matthews, the continuous fall of wickets meant that Barbados lagged behind in the game.

Chloe-Lesleigh Tryon's 38-run knock tried to keep the Matthews-led side in the match, however, with her dismissal, Kirby broke Barbados' back.

11 runs were required off the final six deliveries with Afy Fletcher and Fatima Sana at the crease. Bowling the last over, Deandra Dottin held her nerves to give away just nine runs as Barbados ended their innings at 113-7.

Kirby, Jensen leads Trinabago's way

In low-scoring innings, Kirby and Hayley Jensen contributed with 30 and 20 runs, respectively, taking the team's score to 114/7 in their 20 overs. 

Although Matthews and Shakera Selman bagged two wickets in their economical four-over spells, the Knight Riders somehow managed to put up a fighting total that eventually proved to be enough.

What's next?

Trinbago Knight Riders Women and Barbados Royals Women have their upcoming matches scheduled against Guyana Amazon Warriors Women on 2nd and 4th September, respectively.

Brief scores:

Trinbago Knight Riders Women - 114/7

Lee-Ann Kirby 30 (30), Hayley Jensen 20* (18);
Shakera Selman 2-16 (4), Hayley Matthews 2-28 (4)

Barbados Royals Women - 113/7 (20)

Chloe-Lesleigh Tryon 38 (26);
Lee-Ann Kirby 2-32 (4), Anisa Mohammed 1-9 (2)

Trinbago Knight Riders Women by 1 run

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