India wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma has joined Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) as a replacement for Yastika Bhatia, who has left the 2026 Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) to join India A for their upcoming series against Australia A. Bhatia, currently the second-highest run-scorer in WCPL 2026, will return to India ahead of the three-match one-day series against Australia A, which begins on September 20. She will captain India A in the ODI series and will also feature in the four-day match that follows. For Sushma Verma, the move represents a return to top-level competitive cricket. The 31-year-old last featured in India's squad during the T20I tri-series in South Africa in 2023, although she did not get an opportunity to play. Verma's only previous franchise experience came in the inaugural Women's Premier League season in 2023, when she represented Gujarat Giants. She scored 42 runs across five innings at a strike rate of 79.24. The wicketkeeper-batter has recently focused on improving her power-hitting. Her progress was evident during the 2025-26 domestic one-day tournament, where she struck nine sixes in six innings — the third-highest tally in the competition. "It's special to be part of the WCPL and I am grateful to the Knight Riders set-up for this opportunity," Verma told ESPNcricinfo. "I feel it is the fruit of the hard work I have put into my T20 game." Verma becomes the sixth Indian player to feature in WCPL 2026. Alongside her and Bhatia, Shikha Pandey is part of TKR, while Kiran Navgire, Pooja Vastrakar and Harleen Deol represent Barbados Tridents. TKR have already booked their place in the WCPL final after finishing at the top of the four-team league stage. The second finalist will be decided in the playoff between Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors. The WCPL 2026 final is scheduled to be played in Bridgetown on September 17.

Australia captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club under clear blue skies. The decision comes despite a pitch offering considerably more grass than usual, with Zimbabwe stand-in captain Sikandar Raza admitting he would have preferred to bowl first. Marsh, who spent part of his childhood in Zimbabwe, returns to the country with fond memories and will open the innings alongside Travis Head. The pair are reunited at the top of the order after missing Australia's previous two series, with Cooper Connolly moving into the No. 3 position. Australia have made two notable changes to their playing XI. Allrounder Cameron Green has been ruled out because of shoulder soreness, while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been rested as Australia manage his workload during a busy season. ODI captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc remain at home after being rested for the Zimbabwe leg of the tour. Nathan Ellis will spearhead Australia's attack, supported by Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson. Johnson returns to the ODI side for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have opted for three specialist seamers, with Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri and Brad Evans included in the XI. Evans, despite his ability to contribute with the bat and finish innings, has been listed at No. 8. Raza is leading Zimbabwe in the absence of injured captain Richard Ngarava. The home side will hope the grass on the surface and possible moisture in the air provide assistance to their seamers early in Australia's innings. The Zimbabwe XI also features a notable blend of experience. Raza, Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are all 40 years old, while veteran spinner Graeme Cremer, who turns 40 next week, has been named among the substitutes. Teams Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani. Australia: Mitch Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

Melbourne Stars have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season, with South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp withdrawing from the tournament due to international commitments. Kapp, 36, had one year remaining on her contract with the Stars but informed the club that she would not participate in the upcoming WBBL season. Her decision comes as South Africa prepare for a Test match against India beginning on December 9, just four days after the WBBL final. Despite losing one of the world’s leading all-rounders, the Stars have strengthened their squad by re-signing England internationals Dani Gibson and Amy Jones for the 12th edition of the WBBL. Kapp Prioritises South Africa Commitments Kapp has opted to focus on her international career as South Africa’s schedule clashes with the latter stages of the WBBL. “We are of course disappointed to be without someone of Marizanne's calibre this season,” Stars general manager James Rosengarten said. “She is one of the world's finest all-round players but we understand her priorities at this stage and it will present another list opportunity for the Stars.” Kapp has established herself as one of the most accomplished all-rounders in women’s cricket and her absence will leave a significant gap in the Stars’ squad. Gibson and Jones Return The Stars have moved quickly to strengthen their international contingent by securing the services of Dani Gibson and Amy Jones, who both played for the Melbourne-based franchise during the previous season. Jones was the Stars’ second-highest run-scorer in WBBL 2025, scoring 234 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 125.80. Gibson contributed 170 runs from 11 games at an impressive strike rate of 139.34. However, the Stars’ campaign ended in the Knockout stage, where they suffered defeat against the Perth Scorchers. Rosengarten said retaining both England players had been a priority for the franchise. “It was a priority for us to have both Dani and Amy return this season, so we're really pleased with this outcome,” he said. “They are both very talented cricketers in multiple ways, which is so valuable in this format.” Stars Still Have One International Spot The return of Gibson and Jones gives the Stars added depth across multiple areas. Jones provides wicketkeeping options, while Gibson adds another bowling option alongside her batting ability. “We are bolstering our batting line-up with two different skillsets, while also gaining a wicket keeper and bowler,” Rosengarten said. “They both really enjoyed their time in Melbourne which is a great sign for our club and they're committed to having success here.” The Melbourne Stars can still sign one additional international player before the start of the 2026 WBBL season, giving the club an opportunity to further strengthen its squad following Kapp’s withdrawal.

Pakistan batter and Test captain Babar Azam is set to return to domestic first-class cricket after nearly seven years as he looks to regain his form in the longer format of the game. Babar has been signed as a guest player by Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) for the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade 1 tournament. According to reports, the Pakistan Test captain had requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to place him in a domestic squad so he could remain in touch with first-class cricket. The move comes amid growing concerns over Babar’s recent Test form. He has not scored a Test century since December 2022, when he made 161 against New Zealand in Karachi. Since the beginning of 2023, Babar has averaged just 30.43 in Test cricket, significantly below his career average. He has managed only eight half-centuries in 39 innings during this period, including an 18-innings stretch in which he failed to score more than 41. His highest score since his last Test century is 88, which came in Pakistan’s victory over the West Indies in the second Test of their tour last month. The win was Pakistan’s first away Test victory since July 2023 and ended a run of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats. Domestic Cricket Return Babar has largely stayed away from domestic first-class cricket in recent years. His last appearance came in 2019, when he captained Central Punjab to victory over Northern in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final. That season, Babar played only two domestic first-class matches, with Pakistan also touring Australia and hosting Sri Lanka. In fact, since 2015, he had featured in more than one domestic first-class match in only one season. His return comes at a time when several Pakistan internationals have opted to play in the President’s Trophy. Among the most notable names are fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and all-rounder Salman Agha. The PCB has also introduced minimum domestic first-class match requirements for centrally contracted players. Category A players are required to play at least six first-class matches annually, while Category AB players must feature in at least four. White-ball specialists in Category BC are required to play at least two. Pressure Mounts on Babar Babar's prolonged struggle with the bat has become one of the biggest talking points in Pakistan cricket. Former cricketers and analysts have regularly scrutinised his technique, particularly his struggles against short-pitched bowling. Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England further intensified the debate after the team suffered a 3-0 series defeat. England’s fast bowlers repeatedly targeted Babar with short deliveries during the series. He missed the opening Test at Headingley because of injury. Pakistan’s disappointing results have also increased calls for leading international players to participate more regularly in domestic cricket and work on their game in demanding first-class conditions. The national team currently sits ninth in the ICC Test rankings and bottom of the nine-team World Test Championship standings. Pakistan also failed to reach the knockout stages of the last four ICC tournaments. OGDCL Receive Major Boost Babar’s arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to OGDCL, who struggled in the opening round of the President’s Trophy. The team faced Pakistan Television (PTV) in their opening match, which began on September 12. At the end of the third day, OGDCL were trailing by 132 runs with three wickets down while following on. The side was also without regular captain Imam-ul-Haq, who was withdrawn from the squad. According to reports, his absence was linked to his failure to appear for a scheduled fitness test. OGDCL were relegated last season after finishing at the bottom of the eight-team President’s Trophy table. However, they returned to the competition after the PCB removed WAPDA and Sahir Associates for failing to meet the regulations for the current season. Kingsmen Academy also benefited from the PCB’s decision and earned a place in the first-class competition after initially missing qualification following their defeat to Markhor IT Solutions (MITS) in the President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold final. Aamer Jamal Joins MITS Meanwhile, Pakistan fast-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal has joined first-class debutants Markhor IT Solutions as a guest player. Jamal is expected to feature in MITS’ second-round match against Khan Research Laboratories in Rawalpindi. He represented SNGPL last season and also played for Lahore Whites in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Jamal was among seven players sent home early from England by the PCB following Pakistan’s Test series defeat. However, he had not played in either of the first two Tests. MITS endured a difficult opening round against Hyderabad Kingsmen Academy. After conceding a huge total of 565 for seven declared, powered by Salman Agha’s unbeaten 300, MITS were forced to follow on after being dismissed for 330. They finished the third day on 203 for five in their second innings, still trailing by 32 runs. Babar’s return to first-class cricket therefore comes at a crucial stage for both the player and Pakistan cricket. With Test performances under increasing scrutiny, the domestic tournament will provide the star batter with an opportunity to spend more time at the crease and rebuild confidence ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming international commitments.

Surrey have suffered a major setback in their battle to However, he was unable to take the field, with Jordan Cox taking over wicketkeeping duties for Pakistan's second innings. Smith was not required to bat during avoid relegation from the County Championship, with England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith ruled out for the remainder of the season because of a finger injury sustained during the third Test against Pakistan. Smith dislocated his left ring finger while keeping wicket to Ollie Robinson after lunch on the second day of the Test at Edgbaston. Subsequent scans also revealed a crack in his thumb. Despite the injuries, Smith was able to bat in his usual No. 7 position and scored a valuable 69 runs. However, he was unable to take the field, with Jordan Cox taking over wicketkeeping duties for Pakistan's second innings. Smith was not required to bat during England's successful chase of 130 on the fourth day. Surrey had hoped Smith would return for their final two County Championship fixtures, beginning with a crucial clash against fellow relegation contenders Glamorgan at the Kia Oval. The club currently sit sixth in Division One, 21 points clear of the relegation zone. Surrey Escape Pitch Charge Meanwhile, Surrey are also set to avoid disciplinary action over the controversial Kia Oval pitch used during their dramatic one-wicket victory over Yorkshire earlier this month. The surface was described by players as a "roulette-wheeler" because of its unpredictable nature. It produced a dramatic contest, with all four innings taking place on the second day as 23 wickets fell. Under current ECB regulations, a team can lose all the points earned from a match if its pitch is rated "below average" or worse. Such a sanction could have cost Surrey all 19 points they collected from the Yorkshire match. Surrey, however, are understood to have escaped a charge, providing significant relief as they approach the final stages of the Championship campaign. Leicestershire Face Similar Threat Leicestershire are currently facing a very different situation after being charged by The Cricket Regulator over the pitch used for their home match against Glamorgan last month. Leicestershire also collected 19 points from that fixture, points that have kept them within reach of safety. A potential loss of those points could have serious consequences for their survival hopes. With only two Championship matches remaining, Surrey will now have to continue their fight for survival without one of their key players, while keeping a close eye on the relegation battle involving the teams around them.

Zimbabwe have named an experienced squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with Sikandar Raza set to captain the side in the absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava. The series begins on September 15 in Harare, with the remaining two matches scheduled for September 18 and 20. It will be Australia's first visit to Zimbabwe in 12 years and the first ODI meeting between the two sides since 2022. Ngarava has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. The fast bowler missed Zimbabwe's recent T20I tri-series in Namibia, and his condition could keep him sidelined beyond the Australia series. Zimbabwe are scheduled to travel to the UAE in October for a tri-series involving Afghanistan and Bangladesh, followed by two Tests against Afghanistan. In Ngarava's absence, Blessing Muzarabani is expected to lead Zimbabwe's pace attack, with Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri also included. Tanaka Chivanga remains unavailable because of an Achilles injury. Brendan Taylor returns Veteran batter and wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor has been recalled to the ODI squad. Taylor will share wicketkeeping responsibilities with Tadiwanashe Marumani. The 39-year-old last played an ODI for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in August 2025. His return means Clive Madande misses out on the squad. Taylor's experience will be particularly valuable alongside Craig Ervine in the middle order, as Zimbabwe look to reduce their reliance on young batting all-rounder Brian Bennett. Cremer set for ODI comeback Legspinner Graeme Cremer is also set to make his return to ODI cricket after nearly eight years. His last ODI appearance came in 2018. Cremer returned to international cricket last year during Zimbabwe's campaign to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup and is now available across all three formats. His experience will add depth to Zimbabwe's bowling attack. Zimbabwe also defeated Australia during the 2026 T20 World Cup on their way to the Super Eight stage, a result that helped them secure automatic qualification for the 2028 edition. With Raza leading a squad featuring a blend of experience and emerging talent, Zimbabwe will hope to put up a strong challenge against Australia in the three-match series in Harare. Zimbabwe squad for Australia ODIs Sikandar Raza (captain) Ben Curran Blessing Muzarabani Brad Evans Brendan Taylor Brian Bennett Craig Ervine Ernest Masuku Graeme Cremer Innocent Kaia Newman Nyamhuri Ryan Burl Tadiwanashe Marumani Wellington Masakadza Wessly Madhevere  

Marcus Trescothick’s future with England’s Test team remains unclear as incoming head coach Stephen Fleming prepares to take charge of the side. Trescothick stepped in as England’s interim Test head coach for the three-match series against Pakistan, helping oversee a convincing 3-0 series victory. However, with Fleming set to arrive in the UK in the coming days, Trescothick is still waiting to learn whether he will remain part of the Test coaching staff. Fleming was appointed as Brendon McCullum’s successor but chose not to take immediate charge after ending his association with Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings earlier this summer. Since his appointment, Fleming and Trescothick have remained in regular contact. Trescothick’s interim role was to help stabilise England’s Test side following a turbulent summer that included Ben Stokes’ international retirement and McCullum’s departure from the red-ball coaching role. With England now back to winning ways and Joe Root returning to the captaincy, Trescothick appears to have accomplished that task successfully. Fleming’s immediate priority will be assembling his backroom team ahead of England’s winter campaign, which begins with a three-Test series against reigning World Test champions South Africa. Former Australia international Mike Hussey was reportedly approached about becoming England’s Test batting coach, a position previously held by Trescothick under McCullum since 2022. However, Hussey is understood to have declined the opportunity. Speaking after England completed their series win over Pakistan, Trescothick admitted that he remains uncertain about his future with the Test side. “I think when Stephen’s over and then Rob and Stephen and Brendon can get together and really sort of thrash out exactly how it’s going to look, then we’ll probably be involved in those sort of conversations afterwards,” Trescothick said. The former England opener also made it clear that he would be keen to continue working with both England teams. “I love doing both formats. It’s been brilliant and I’m privileged to be in the position of being assistant coach,” he said. “There’s nothing better than working with your own national country, of course. But we’ll see how it pans out.” England batter Joe Root was full of praise for Trescothick’s contribution during the Pakistan series and suggested that the interim coach had strengthened his credentials for a permanent leadership role. “The way that he’s worked with me, the way that he’s worked with the group, has been outstanding,” Root said. “I hope he takes a lot of confidence from it and if he ever gets the opportunity to be a head coach further down the line, it’s been great for him and he’s done a brilliant job.” While his Test future remains unresolved, Trescothick will soon return to England’s white-ball set-up. He is due to travel to Southampton ahead of the first of three T20Is against Sri Lanka, beginning on Tuesday. He will reunite with McCullum, who remains England’s white-ball head coach, along with assistant coaches Sarah Taylor, Tim Southee and Jeetan Patel. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen will also join the group as a specialist mentor for the white-ball teams. England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue are among the players heading to Southampton. Trescothick has also expressed a desire for greater English representation within the Test coaching structure. Fleming’s appointment continues England’s recent reliance on overseas coaches, with Peter Moores and Chris Silverwood the only Englishmen among seven coaches to have held the top job this century. The England and Wales Cricket Board is attempting to develop more home-grown coaching talent. England Lions are currently being coached by former England batter Jonathan Trott, who replaced Andrew Flintoff last month, with Graeme Swann and Ravi Bopara also involved in the coaching set-up. Trescothick believes having English coaches around the national team can provide valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by England players. “As much as we can within the course of coaching systems, you want someone within that who can highlight things that are important with England players and England teams and England series that you play,” he said. “We want to try and promote our own from within and get them up to the top because there’s nothing better, I don’t think, than if you can get to that point.” For now, Trescothick’s immediate focus will shift back to the white-ball side. His long-term role in England’s Test set-up, however, will depend on the decisions made by Fleming, managing director Rob Key and McCullum as the new coaching structure takes shape.

South Africa completed a convincing 3-0 ODI series sweep over Namibia after cruising to a nine-wicket victory in the third match, chasing down a modest target of 157 in just 21.4 overs. The result capped an impressive tour for stand-in captain Bjorn Fortuin, who claimed a career-best 4 for 33 to lead South Africa to another dominant performance. Fortuin had earlier captained the side to the T20I tri-series title and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in that competition. Legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter also impressed with 2 for 39 as South Africa's spinners proved particularly effective despite both teams fielding four specialist fast bowlers. Namibia Struggle Again with the Bat Namibia's batting problems continued as they were bowled out for 156 inside 37 overs. Alexander Busing-Volschenk provided some resistance at the top of the order, scoring 31, while Zane Green and Max Heingo added 31 for the final wicket to push Namibia beyond the 150-run mark. However, the total was never likely to trouble a confident South African batting line-up, even though the visitors entered the game with one batter fewer than usual. South Africa made immediate use of the extra bounce available. Michael van Lingen fell in the fourth over after attempting a hook against Corbin Bosch, managing only two runs across the series. Kwena Maphaka then produced an excellent delivery to dismiss Jan Frylinck, following a sequence of short balls with a fuller delivery that moved in and went through the bat-pad gap. Busing-Volschenk showed attacking intent, striking Bosch for two impressive boundaries, before partnering Louren Steenkamp in a 53-run stand. Fortuin Sparks Namibia Collapse Fortuin broke the partnership in the 21st over, using drift and flight to beat Steenkamp and claim his first wicket. Busing-Volschenk was run out from the very next delivery, leaving Namibia struggling at 73 for 4. The situation deteriorated further when Gerhard Erasmus holed out against Fortuin and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton was trapped lbw by Peter. Namibia were soon reduced to 90 for 6. Ruben Trumpelmann briefly threatened to accelerate the scoring, hitting Peter for the first six of the innings, but he was dismissed attempting another big shot. Fortuin claimed his fourth wicket by bowling Waldo Smith, who played for turn but was beaten by a straight delivery. Peter then had Jack Brassell caught behind before Namibia's lower order staged a brief counterattack. Heingo struck 14 from three balls, including a six off Fortuin, while Green added boundaries against Fortuin and Bosch. Green's resistance ended when he attempted to attack a Maphaka slower ball and was caught by Fortuin. Namibia were eventually bowled out for 156. Hermann and Esterhuizen Make Chase Look Easy South Africa needed fewer than 22 overs to complete the chase. Jordan Hermann, who finished the series as the leading run-scorer with 247 runs, immediately showed his intent by cutting the final ball of Trumpelmann's opening over through backward point for four. He continued to dominate through the off side with a series of drives and cuts, reaching 29 from just 19 balls during the early stages. Connor Esterhuizen initially played a more cautious role, scoring only five from his first 11 deliveries, but gradually accelerated as the partnership developed. Hermann was handed a reprieve on 33 when he edged Jack Brassell, only for wicketkeeper Zane Green to spill the chance. Namibia's attempt to use spin also failed to produce results. Hermann and Esterhuizen attacked Erasmus, with Hermann reaching his half-century off the spinner before Erasmus returned to pace. Esterhuizen steadily increased his scoring rate and brought up his fifty from 53 balls. The pair added 150 for the opening wicket, completely taking the game away from Namibia. Smith eventually gave Namibia a consolation moment by claiming his first ODI wicket, bowling Hermann with a yorker. But there was little doubt about the outcome. With only 31 runs required, Dewald Brevis finished the match in emphatic fashion by launching a huge six. South Africa Head Into Home Season on a High The 3-0 sweep gives South Africa considerable momentum heading into their home season. Fortuin's leadership, the continued emergence of Hermann and Esterhuizen, and strong performances from the bowling attack provided plenty of positives. For Namibia, the series highlighted several areas that need improvement, particularly with the bat, as they prepare for their remaining World Cricket League 2 fixtures against the USA and UAE later this year.

South Africa have suffered another blow to their pace-bowling resources ahead of their ODI series against Australia, with Ottneil Baartman ruled out after sustaining a left hamstring injury. Baartman picked up the injury during the opening round of South Africa’s first-class season. As previously reported, the fast bowler managed only five overs for the Dolphins and did not bat in their second innings during their defeat against the Titans. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that Baartman will undergo further medical assessment to determine the extent of the injury and establish a rehabilitation timeline. Duan Jansen Named as Replacement All-rounder Duan Jansen has been called up to replace Baartman in South Africa’s ODI squad. Jansen is currently part of the South African second-string team competing in Namibia and will now join the senior squad for the three-match series against Australia. The call-up means Duan will be reunited with his brother Marco Jansen, who claimed seven wickets for the Titans in the same domestic match in which Baartman suffered his injury. Duan Jansen has been in impressive form recently. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in the Namibia T20I tri-series involving South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, before taking five wickets across two ODIs. He has been rested for the third match of the series in Namibia, scheduled for Sunday, allowing him to prepare for his move into the senior squad. Second Pace Bowler Ruled Out Baartman becomes the second South African quick to miss the Australia ODI series after Kagiso Rabada was also ruled out with a hamstring problem. CSA has not yet provided a definitive recovery timeline for Rabada. His availability for South Africa’s three-Test series against Australia, beginning on October 9, will be assessed closer to the start of the series. Baartman himself could remain in contention for the Test squad if he recovers in time. South Africa face a demanding eight-Test summer and are expected to require considerable depth in their bowling attack. The injuries to Rabada and Baartman will therefore increase the pressure on South Africa’s remaining fast bowlers as they prepare for a challenging international schedule against Australia.

Barbados Tridents secured their first points of WCPL 2026 with a dramatic last-ball victory over Jamaica Empress, significantly damaging the first-time participants’ hopes of reaching the playoffs. Defending a modest total of 140, Tridents held their nerve in a tense finish after Qiana Joseph delivered a superb final over. Empress needed nine runs from the last six balls with six wickets in hand, but Joseph conceded only five singles and no boundaries to secure a crucial victory. The result moved Tridents up to third in the points table, while Jamaica Empress are now on the brink of elimination. Barbados will face second-placed Guyana Amazon Warriors in their final league-stage match. Playoff Race Goes Down to the Wire The final qualification standings will be decided by the result of Tridents' match against Amazon Warriors. Trinbago Knight Riders have already secured a top-three finish. Barbados could still drop to fourth behind Jamaica Empress if they suffer a heavy defeat against Guyana. However, Tridents currently hold a significant advantage in net run rate, sitting at -0.450 compared with Empress’ -1.153. That advantage means Empress will need a substantial result elsewhere to keep their playoff hopes alive. Lanning and Hunter Put Empress in Control Jamaica Empress appeared firmly in command during their chase of 141. Captain Meg Lanning produced an outstanding 46-ball 57 and combined with Amy Hunter for a dominant opening partnership worth 104 runs. With Empress needing only 37 runs from 43 deliveries and all 10 wickets still available, victory appeared almost certain. But the game changed dramatically after Hunter was dismissed for 47. Suzie Bates then removed Rashada Williams in her final over, while the Tridents' bowlers successfully dried up the flow of boundaries. Lanning eventually fell in the 18th over, leaving Empress needing 14 runs from the final two overs. Cherry-Ann Fraser then delivered an excellent 19th over, conceding only five runs despite bowling two wides. Joseph completed the job in the final over, allowing just five singles. Even off the final delivery, when Empress required five runs to win, she conceded only a single to seal the Tridents’ victory. Bates and Green Rescue Tridents Earlier, Barbados struggled after choosing to bat first. Openers Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews scored 14 and 21 respectively, both at less than a run a ball. The Indian duo of Kiran Navgire and Harleen Deol, making her WCPL debut, also failed to reach double figures. Their struggles left Tridents in trouble at 56 for 4 after 10 overs. New Zealand veterans Suzie Bates and Maddy Green then steadied the innings with a crucial 78-run partnership from 10 overs. Green scored a valuable 39 before falling, while Bates remained unbeaten on 39 to carry Barbados beyond the 130-run mark. The Tridents endured another late wobble when three wickets fell in four deliveries during a 12-run final over from Stafanie Taylor. Despite the collapse, Barbados finished on 140, a total that ultimately proved just enough. The dramatic victory gives Tridents renewed hope of reaching the WCPL playoffs, while Jamaica Empress now face an uphill battle to keep their campaign alive.