Saint Lucia and West Indies allrounder Qiana Joseph put on an impressive show during the opening weekend of the 2026 Limacol Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Despite her efforts, her team, the Barbados Tridents, lost by 21 runs to the Trinbago Knight Riders.
Joseph, the 25-year-old from Gros Islet, has established herself as a frontline performer for the Bajans and spearheaded the bowling attack with 3-27 in her four overs. She claimed the vital scalps of Yastika Bhatia, Madeline Penna and Jahzara Claxton to peg TKR back to 155 all out from their 20 overs.
Stepping up to open the innings with the bat, the Corinth Secondary graduate set the tempo with a brisk 25 off 21 deliveries, highlighted by two fours and two sixes. But a middle-order collapse saw the three-time defending champions bowled out for 134.
Fellow Saint Lucian standout Zaida James also featured in opening-round action. James enjoyed a winning start with tournament newcomers Jamaica Empress in their thrilling one-wicket victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors.
It was a mixed game for the 21-year-old. James did not bowl, but she took three catches, including a stunning one-handed grab over her shoulder to dismiss Realanna Grimmond for 45. The Warriors finished on 138 for 7.
James came in to bat at number eight with her team at 104 for 6, needing 28 runs from 12 balls to reach the rain-adjusted target. She was caught and bowled for a duck. Even though her last five partners added just two runs, Windies allrounder Chinelle Henry smashed three big sixes to win the match.
The Women’s Caribbean Premier League is now in its fifth year. Since starting in 2022, it has quickly become a top stage for the region’s best female cricketers.
