Saint Lucia’s women ended their 2026 Windward Islands Cricket Board T20 Championship winless, after losing to Dominica by 42 runs on Wednesday. The 2024 champions are left with more questions than answers as they enter the third-place playoff against the same opponents, at the same venue, the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex in Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Winning the toss, Dominica opted to bat, ringing up 107-4. Amiah Gilbert compiled an even unbeaten 50 from 60 balls, despite losing two partners in the first two overs, with the score not yet in double figures. Earnish Fontaine fell to West Indies Under-19 bowler Selena Ross for a duck, and West Indies senior player Zaida James took Gem Eloi for one.
Dominica responded with a 77-run partnership, Abini St Jean adding 26 from 38. Ross took the wicket of Kaela George for a duck with the score on 87, but Gilbert finished off the innings in style, ending with seven fours. James went for just two runs per over, and Neisha Cherry conceded only 11 runs from her four overs.
Saint Lucia’s top-order batting looked solid for a third straight game, as Zaida James and Ashlene Edward put on 28 for the first wicket in just three overs. James faced just eight balls before going for 14, hitting three fours during her stay. Edward stuck around for a bit, but the middle order fell rapidly around her.
Namiah Marcellin contributed just five, Nerissa Crafton went for duck, Naralia Phillip was out for three, and Elisha James departed for two within the first nine overs. Edward was finally out with the score 56-6 in the 10th over. The equation still appeared to be within reach for the batting team, but the firepower was lacking. Nesha Alexander followed Edward without adding to the score. Ross and Ammie Antoine made ducks, and Neisha Cherry three.
Saint Lucia ended on 65 all out in the 16th over. Jinnie Valmond took 3-28, Gilbert 2-1 and Jennifer Gasper 2-14, as the ladies from the Nature Isle sounded a warning ahead of Friday’s finale.
