By Delwin Nebblet | HGP Nightly News
Cricket: Barbados Royals Women Retain WCPL Title
The Barbados Royals Women thumped the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women in a gripping final at Providence on Wednesday to secure their third consecutive WCPL title.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Royals restricted the Warriors to 136-3 (20 overs). Irish star Amy Hunter top-scored with 29 (36), while captain Chamaine Campbell and Dane van Niekerk remained unbeaten on 28* and 27* respectively. Royals’ bowlers shared the spoils as Shamilia Connell, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Afy Fletcher each took a wicket.
In reply, Ashmini Munisar’s 3-21 gave the Warriors hope, supported by Nyla Latchman’s 2-32, but the Royals’ batting depth proved decisive. Contributions came from Courtney Webb (31), Kycia Knight (31), and Chamari Athapaththu (25). With the match going down to the wire, Player of the Match Alleyne sealed victory with an unbeaten 17 from 9 balls, adding to her 1-32 with the ball.
Season awards went to Athapaththu for most runs, while Munisar and Laura Harris shared most wickets. The Royals’ triumph was an emotional boost as regular skipper and West Indies captain Hayley Matthews underwent shoulder surgery this week, ruling her out of the tournament.
CPL 2025: Warriors Book Finals Spot
In men’s CPL action, the Guyana Amazon Warriors edged the defending champions St. Lucia Kings by 14 runs to storm into their sixth final in 12 seasons.
Sent in to bat, the Warriors managed 157 all out (19.5) with Ben McDermott (34), Shai Hope (32), and Romario Shepherd (21 off 8) providing late sparks. The Kings’ bowling was led by Tabraiz Shamsi (3-33), Alzarri Joseph (2), and David Wiese (2).
Chasing 158, the Kings faltered despite a brisk 50 (29) from Khary Pierre and 30 (18) from Tymal Mills, collapsing to 143 all out (19.1). Gudakesh Motie’s 4-30 was the difference, backed by skipper Imran Tahir and Dwaine Pretorius, who bagged two wickets each.
The Warriors now await Sunday’s final, while the Kings face Trinbago Knight Riders in Friday’s qualifier for a second chance at reaching the championship.
Squash: Guyana Qualifies for CAC Games
Guyana’s senior men’s and women’s squash teams have qualified for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, following a strong performance at the Pan American Squash Championships in Brazil.
Though finishing 9th overall, Guyana ranked among the top five CAC nations, earning automatic qualification. The squad, coached by Ramon Chan-A-Sue, featured Nicolette Fernandes, Alex Arjoon, Kirsten Gomes, Ashley Khalil, Jason-Ray Khalil, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, and Mary Fung-A-Fat, who are expected to return for the Santo Domingo games.
Badminton: Four Medals for Guyana
At the CAREBACO Junior Individual Tournament 2025 in Barbados, Guyana’s junior shuttlers brought home four bronze medals.
- Joel Rambirichie earned bronze in the Boys U-11 Singles, then teamed with Liam Brummell for another bronze in Boys U-11 Doubles.
- Mishka Beharry claimed bronze in U-19 Mixed Doubles.
The team, coached by Akili Haynes and Nkosi Beaton, showcased promise for the region’s growing badminton program.
Football: Lady Jags Break Into CONCACAF Top 10
The Guyana U-20 Lady Jaguars have achieved a historic milestone, breaking into the Top 10 of CONCACAF’s women’s football rankings for the first time.
The rise from 11th to 10th followed their unbeaten run in February’s CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Qualifiers, which booked their place in May’s championship playoffs. Staged in Antigua and Barbuda, the campaign highlighted Guyana’s growing reputation in women’s football.
This achievement aligns with the GFF’s long-term vision of reaching the Top 50 globally, Top 10 in CONCACAF, and Top 5 in the CFU. It also reflects the success of the wider youth program, with the U-14 girls’ team recently going unbeaten until the semifinals of the CFU Challenge Series.
The Lady Jags’ breakthrough signals a bright future for women’s football in Guyana.
