Jamaica’s Watts, Henry dismantle Guyana in Women’s Super50
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Vanessa Watts and Chinelle Henry both snatched five-wicket hauls as Jamaica routed hosts Guyana for 23 to engineer an eight-wicket win and a place in Saturday’s final of Women’s Super50 Cup.
Playing in Thursday’s semi-final — reduced to 38 overs per side due to rain at the Guyana National Stadium — Guyana suffered a shocking batting meltdown, with off-spinner Watts (5-5) and fast bowler Henry (5-18) doing the damage.
Jamaica took some of the shine off their victory by losing two wickets but the result was never really in doubt as they cantered to victory in the sixth over.
“The rain has really been a big thing for everybody, the on and off thing, and before we came out here the coach said in the team meeting ‘Just leave everything [out here],” said Henry, who has played 63 internationals for West Indies.
“And we [team] had a discussion too [that] we’re going to take it. Every over we’re going to be like [taking] one [wicket] … so I think today we did come out and execute.
“The finals are in two days and I think today is the time to get that [form] going.”
The rot began as early as the first over of the game when Mandy Mangru feathered the third ball behind, off Henry, without scoring; and it continued in the very next over when Lashuna Toussaint also perished without scoring, slicing Watts to Captain Stafanie Taylor at slip.
Henry claimed the key wicket of West Indies batting star Shemaine Campbelle in the third over five, spectacularly removing her off-stump at 14 for three.
The 10th over proved pivotal, Henry grabbing three wickets — all by the lbw route — off the last three legitimate deliveries of the over as Katana Mentore, Cherry-Ann Fraser and Kaysia Schultz all fell without scoring.
Jamaica will face Barbados in Saturday’s final.