Barbados Royals book a spot in the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League final against Trinbago Knight Riders after beating the Guyana Amazon Warriors by four wickets in a thrilling winner-takes-all game on Saturday.
But they couldn’t crown champions of the inaugural Women’s Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament at Warner Park, St Kitts on Sunday but Barbados Royals were able to win the inaugural edition of THE 6IXTY.
Before the Final Barbados Royals Captian, Hayley Matthews expressed her memories with Former Barbados cricketer and current England fast bowler Jofra archer. Also, Hayley Matthews expressed her interest to play in the Women’s IPL for Rajasthan Royals, whose owner Manoj Badela also owns the Barbados franchise.
“When I was probably about 14-15 years old representing Harrison College, I came up against Jofra, who was playing for his Christ Church Foundation school side. He was opening the bowling from one end, along with West Indies U19 opening bowler Jerome Jones, who was bowling from the other end.
So, it was pretty fiery to experience as a 15-year-old with both pacers coming at you at 80-85 miles an hour. But the good thing for me was that Jofra was my friend, so he kept it quite full and straight actually, but Jerome’s deliveries were just whizzing past my neck.”
And,
“When I look back at it all now, I think these are the experiences which have helped me become the player that I am today. But in the end, I think Jof did get me LBW or bowled (laugh).”
When asked if she would like to play for the Royals team in the IPL tournament, she said that the investment made by the Royals for women’s cricket should be highly appreciated and she is willing to play for that franchise.
“For sure, I would love to play for the Royals. I’ve experienced an amazing atmosphere with the working group present at the franchise, and they are always very supportive of the girls. Their investment in women’s cricket is appreciable, and I think such investments being made in the right places is what our game needs.”
She also said that Jofra archer, Oshane Thomas, and Obed McCoy played for the Royals at the time, which is the reason why she loves the franchise more. She also believes that she will be able to play in the IPL in pink color.
Further commenting that she is excited to be BR’s men’s captain David Miller. She commented on South African destroyer David Millar,
“Both of us actually played for Welsh Fire in The Hundred together, so we did have a chat about joining up with the Royals. He’s told me about the amazing culture at the franchise and I wished him well for his CPL season that he’s so excited to be a part of.”