Defending champions Jamaica have taken a giant leap toward securing back-to-back Regional Women’s T20 Blaze titles after a dominant seven-wicket victory over leaders Guyana, virtually cementing their place in Sunday’s final at Arnos Vale in St. Vincent.

Entering the fifth and final round of the competition, Jamaica, sitting second on 23 points, won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Jamaican bowlers were sharp from the outset, with Chinelle Henry striking on the final ball of the first over to dismiss Guyana’s opener Realeanna Grismond for just 2 runs, leaving Guyana struggling at 2 for 1.

From there, Jamaica’s bowlers continued to assert their dominance, picking up wickets at regular intervals. Guyana never managed to recover from the early setbacks and were restricted to a paltry 83 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Leading the charge with the ball was Vanessa Watts, who delivered a standout performance, taking 4 wickets for just 13 runs. She was ably supported by Nicole Campbell, who picked up 2 for 12. Neisha-Ann Waisome was the other successful bowler, claiming 1 for 15.

Chasing a modest target of 84, Jamaica made light work of the run chase, despite losing 3 wickets to drop to 51 for 3 after 10.1 overs. They cruised to victory in 16.1 overs, finishing at 84 for 3. Abigail Bryce, who remained unbeaten on 30, was the top batter and anchored the chase. She shared in an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 33 with Chinelle Henry, who was not out on 12. Earlier, Captain and opener Rashada Williams made 19, while Chedean Nation contributed 12 and Jodian Morgan added 6 to the total.

Final Scores:

• Guyana: 83 for 9 (20 overs)
• Jamaica: 84 for 3 (16.1 overs)

In the opening game of the day, the Leeward Islands secured a 36-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago. The Leewards, having been inserted to bat, posted 133 for 5, with Shawnisha Hector top-scoring with 40. In response, Trinidad and Tobago could only muster 97 for 8, with Amanda Edwards leading the Leewards’ bowling attack, claiming 3 wickets for 17 runs.