The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024 kicked off in dramatic fashion as the opening game between Barbados Royals Women and Guyana Amazon Warriors Women ended in a nail-biting thriller. Barbados Royals clinched a tense 1-wicket victory on the penultimate ball, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.

Erin Burns takes a jaw-dropping catch to get rid of Georgia Redmayne

During the contest, Erin Burns of Guyana Amazon Warriors displayed her outstanding fielding skills as she took an unbelievable catch to dismiss Barbados Royals opener Georgia Redmayne. The incident happened during the 5th over of Barbados chase bowled by experienced campaigner Shabnim Ismail.

Shabnim bowled an outside off delivery which Redmayne slashed it hard towards the covers. For a moment it appeared the white leather would pierce the gap easily but Burns had some other plans. The Australian star dived to her left and took an absolute stunner to send back the left-handed batter.

Here is the video:

It’s a bird 🦜
It’s a plane ✈️
No… it’s ERIN BURNS! 🤩 #WCPL24 #BRvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Massy pic.twitter.com/63cqdTTGuZ

— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 22, 2024

Also READ: Women’s CPL 2024: Full schedule, complete squads, Broadcast and live streaming details

Stafanie Taylor guides Guyana Amazon Warriors to a respectable total

Speaking about the match, Guyana Amazon Warriors Women, after being put in to bat by the Royals, managed to post a total of 118/9 in their 20 overs. Stafanie Taylor anchored the innings with a composed 38 off 36 balls, including four boundaries and a six. She was supported by contributions from Burns (15 off 19) and Shemaine Campbelle (16 off 21), but the team struggled to build momentum against the disciplined bowling of the Royals.

Aaliyah Alleyne was the standout bowler, picking up 3 wickets for 21 runs in her 4 overs, while Amanda Wellington and Qiana Joseph chipped in with 2 wickets each to restrict the Warriors to a modest total.

Hayley Matthews takes Barbados Royals home with a brilliant knock

Chasing 119, Barbados Royals Women faced early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, their captain Hayley Matthews held the innings together with a brilliant knock of 61 off 58 balls, which included seven boundaries. Matthews’ calm presence at the crease was crucial as the Royals edged closer to the target despite a strong bowling performance from Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Shabnim led the charge with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 16 runs in her 4 overs, while Burns and Nyia Latchman also contributed with a wicket each. In a tense finish, with Barbados Royals needing just 2 runs from the last two balls and 1 wicket in hand, the team held their nerve to secure a 1-wicket victory. The win was a testament to Matthews’ resilience and leadership, earning her the Player of the Match award for her all-round contribution.

Also READ: ICC Women’s ODI Rankings – Orla Prendergast advances, Nat Sciver-Brunt maintains her top spot

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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