The Barbados Royals Women have dominated the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, winning successive titles three times consecutively from 2022 to 2024. Through the process, their dominance has not only established them as the most successful team in WCPL history but has also contributed massively to the development and publicity of women’s cricket in the Caribbean.
2022: The First Year
The 2022 WCPL marked the beginning of the Royals’ journey to glory. Being the first-ever edition, this tournament was a landmark event for women’s cricket in the West Indies.
This was a reward for the depth and all-round strength of Barbados Royals Women early in the competition, who also featured some excellent batting from their captain Hayley Matthews leading by example with the ball. Group-stage wins that proved crucial came about because of consistency from the top-order batsmen and much of the all-round efficacy from players like Deandra Dottin and Chloe Tryon. In that context, the Shakera Selman-and Matthews-led bowling unit largely contained the opposition and, therefore, helped them stay in their places in the group stages of the competition.
Their final game was a hard challenge against the Trinbago Knight Riders Women. The Royals had to be far better, with the Knight Riders playing admirably well. It showed how competitive this league is, whereby teams gave it their all in each and every game. The Royals top order wasn’t allowed to inflict any damage as the Knight Riders bowled pretty accurately to reach a below-par total, which turned out to be not that easy to defend and end the tournament with runner-up position.
2023: Establishing Dominance
Coming into the 2023 WCPL, the Barbados Royals Women were the team to beat based on their success the previous year. Mainstay players Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, and Shakera Selman returned to the squad in tandem with fresh signings to give even greater depth to their lineup. This runner-up team of 2022 translated into the confidence of the performances across the tournament.
The format of the 2023 edition was just about similar, as the Royals dominated in the group stages with only one loss in the season, their consistent performances booked their slot in the final against Guyana Amazon Warriors Women.
The Royals were all gritty and skillful in the final that went to the wire. Chasing a stiff target, the Royals were in a spot of bother when a magnificent innings by skipper Matthews revived their hopes. Her unbeaten knock coupled with some disciplined bowling ensured that the Royals emerged victors in a thrilling encounter, thereby making them first-time champions of WCPL.
This victory in 2023 sealed their reputation as the best team in the competition. The Royals had not only defended their title but with an air of invincibility that left opponents in shock and at a loss for words.
2024: Two in a Row
The 2024 WCPL was a barometer of the never-say-die attitude of the Barbados Royals Women. For a team that had come into the tournament as defending champions, the pressure was always going to be enormous, and yet the Royals thrived under it. With international stars such as Chamari Athapaththu and Amanda-Jade Wellington, this was a more formidable squad than ever.
The Royals had kept their dominance at the group stage as well with some brilliant performances from Matthews, Athapaththu, and Aaliyah Alleyne. They topped the points table with three wins out of four matches, setting up yet another final against perennial rivals Trinbago Knight Riders.
The final of 2024 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy was a show of mastery of T20 cricket by the Royals. The Knight Riders, being restricted to a modest 93/8, chased the target with six wickets in hand for the Royals through a composed innings from Athapaththu, coupled with a match-winning bowling performance by Alleyne. This win sealed their two successive titles of WCPL-a feat unrivaled in the small history of the tournament.
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Success Pillars
There would be plenty of reasons behind Barbados Royals’ unprecedented three-season success. First and foremost, there is the leadership of Hayley Matthews. Consistent with bat and ball along with astute captaincy and perfect conduction of their team has formed the backbone of their success. The ability of Matthews to inspire her team at times of great need has made her one of the most influential figures in women’s cricket.
Secondly, the Royals have done a fine job of rostering a rather balanced squad with mixes of experienced internationals and young talents of immense potential. This season’s overseas stars in the form of Athapaththu, Wellington, and Erin Burns added girth and variation to the roster, complementing the local mix of talents like Dottin, Alleyne, and Selman.
This, in the main, reflects the increasing infrastructure and support that women’s cricket is getting in the Caribbean. The WCPL, through its three editions, has given a platform for the best talents to come up in front, and the Barbados Royals have led by example in making the most of that opportunity.
Conclusion: A Legacy for the Future
Having won two titles, the Barbados Royals Women have created a benchmark in WCPL. Yet, their legacy is not just about the titles they have won but about the standards they’ve set for professionalism, teamwork, and resilience. The motivation set for the new generation of cricketers in the Caribbean by their dominance has been nothing but a dream. It has increased the stature of women’s cricket in the region.
The challenge for the future will be in sustaining this level of performance and pushing further boundaries in the WCPL. Still, a strong foundation has been laid, coupled with a culture of winning, so the Barbados Royals Women are destined to stay at the pinnacle of women’s cricket in the Caribbean for many more years to come and leave an indelible mark that will be remembered for generations to come.
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