Jamaica’s Taylor doubtful for Women’s T20 Blast decider
COACH CLEON Smith says his Jamaica women’s team does not fear the high-riding Barbados, heading into their title-deciding West Indies Women’s T20 Blast clash at Sabina Park today at 2:30 p.m.
Barbados will enter the final-round contest with four wins from as many matches, while Jamaica has three wins and a loss.
“We are not worried about Barbados. We just have to get everything right,” Smith said of the clash, which could see the team playing without injured inspirational captain Stafanie Taylor.
“We have to bowl better than we did against Trinidad in our last game on Friday, which is our only loss to date.
“We virtually set Trinidad off by allowing them 30-odd to 40 runs in the first five overs and from there, had to chase the game.
“We also missed some run out opportunities, dropped some catches, and did not bowl in the right areas.”
In the absence of the off-spin and leadership of Taylor after three overs due to a shoulder injury, Trinidad, who now have a record of two wins and two defeats, went on to post 135 for five off their maximum 20 overs.
Jamaica, in response, were restricted to 92 for seven despite the effort of 21-year-old opener Rashana Williams, 30, and Chinelle Henry, 24.
Windies off-spinner Anisa Mohammed claimed three for 20.
Barbados will look to front-line Windies players Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews and Kycia Knight to lead their batting and Shamilia Connell and Shanika Bruce their bowling.
Smith is hopeful that Taylor will recover.
“It’s a shoulder injury, which was serious for her not to return to field or bat,” Smith highlighted.
“But I am hearing if work is done, she may be able to play in the final game. That is what we are hoping for.”