Barbados Tridents secured their first victory of the Women’s Caribbean Premier League 2026 with a three-run win over Jamaica Empress in a last-ball thriller. The result moved the Tridents into third place on the points table and left Jamaica Empress on the brink of elimination from the playoff race.
Qiana Joseph held her nerve in the final over, defending nine runs and conceding only five singles as Barbados successfully protected their total of 140/7.
Bates and Green Rescue Tridents
After choosing to bat, Barbados Tridents endured a difficult start. Openers Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews struggled to build momentum, scoring 14 and 21 respectively, while India’s Kiran Navgire and WCPL debutant Harleen Deol both failed to reach double figures. The early wickets left Barbados in trouble at 56/4 after 10 overs.
The innings was rebuilt through an excellent partnership between New Zealand teammates Suzie Bates and Maddy Green.
The pair added 78 runs for the fifth wicket, stabilising the innings and lifting the Tridents to a competitive total. Green struck 39 before being dismissed late in the innings, while Bates remained unbeaten on 39 to anchor the batting effort.
Jamaica captain Stafanie Taylor finished with outstanding figures of 4/29, claiming three wickets in four deliveries during the final over to prevent Barbados from posting an even bigger score.
Lanning and Hunter Put Jamaica in Control
Jamaica Empress looked firmly on course for victory during the chase.
Meg Lanning and Amy Hunter dominated the opening partnership, putting together 104 runs for the first wicket. Lanning led the scoring with 57 from 46 balls, while Hunter narrowly missed a half-century after making 47.
With 37 runs needed from the final 43 balls and all 10 wickets intact, Jamaica appeared to be cruising towards victory.
Barbados Produce Stunning Fightback
The match turned dramatically after Hunter’s dismissal. Suzie Bates removed Rashada Williams in her final over before Lanning fell in the 18th over, allowing Barbados to regain control. Boundaries became increasingly difficult to find as the required run rate climbed.
Cherry-Ann Fraser then delivered a superb penultimate over, conceding only five runs despite bowling two wides. That left Jamaica needing nine from the final over.
Joseph completed the comeback with an outstanding final over. She did not concede a single boundary and restricted Jamaica to five singles, leaving them five runs short from the final delivery as Barbados completed a memorable three-run victory.
Playoff Race Goes Down to Final Match
The victory keeps Barbados Tridents’ playoff hopes firmly alive heading into their final league match against Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Trinbago Knight Riders have already secured a place in the knockout stage, while the final standings will now depend on the outcome of the remaining league fixture.
Although Barbados could still drop below Jamaica Empress if they suffer a heavy defeat, their significantly superior net run rate gives them a strong advantage heading into the decisive match.
Match Summary
Barbados Tridents 140/7 (20 overs): Suzie Bates 39*, Maddy Green 39; Stafanie Taylor 4/29.
Jamaica Empress 137/4 (20 overs): Meg Lanning 57, Amy Hunter 47; Barbados Tridents won by 3 runs.
