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Cricket

Warriors keep WCPL hopes alive as Ismail and Connell dismantle Knight Riders

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS - SEPTEMBER 12: Shabnim Ismail (L) of Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrates the dismissal of Yastika Bhatia (R) of Trinbago Knight Riders during the Wonen's 2026 Limacol Caribbean Premier League match 4 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders at Kensington Oval on September 12, 2026 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20)

The Guyana Amazon Warriors kept their playoff hopes alive in the 2026 Limacol Women’s Caribbean Premier League with a crucial 25-run victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders, built on a devastating new-ball burst from Shabnim Ismail and Shamillia Connell.

Defending 119/8, the Warriors seized control by reducing the Knight Riders to 22/5 inside the powerplay. Their victory leaves all teams still in contention for the title ahead of Guyana’s final group match against the Barbados Tridents on Sunday.

Shemaine Campbelle provided the backbone of the Warriors’ innings with 31 from 28 balls before Ismail and Connell tore through a formidable batting line-up to turn a modest total into a winning one.

Laura Harris, Marizanne Kapp, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow and Yastika Bhatia were all dismissed within the opening six overs of the chase. The damage could have been even greater, but Connell put down a return catch off her own bowling.

With the Knight Riders’ leading batters back in the pavilion, Madeline Penna was left to rebuild the innings while keeping the target within reach.

She struck Ashmini Munisar for six in an effort to lift the scoring rate, but the bowler responded immediately. Attempting another big hit from the next delivery, Penna was caught in the deep, dealing a further blow to the chase.

The lower order continued to search for boundaries, but more wickets followed as the Warriors completed a vital victory.

Earlier, 17-year-old opener Eboni Brathwaite had given Guyana an attacking start, taking on the experienced Knight Riders bowling unit with a brief but lively innings.

The teenager launched Kapp for six, only for the South African to respond with a delivery that moved back in and bowled her for 13 from six balls.

The Warriors struggled to maintain that early tempo against Kapp and fellow seamer Shikha Pandey. Campbelle, however, continued her encouraging form, following her half-century in Guyana’s opening match with another important contribution.

Her dismissal for 31, claimed by Harris, left the Warriors facing the closing overs with two new batters at the crease.

Pandey then deepened their difficulties by removing Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon within three deliveries, limiting Guyana’s chances of a strong finish.

The Warriors eventually reached 119/8, leaving their bowlers with little room for error. Ismail and Connell delivered the early breakthroughs they needed, ensuring Guyana head into Sunday’s final group outing with their campaign still alive.

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