Bhatia, Ramharack combine to humble Jamaica Empress

Much was expected of the Jamaica Empress following their resilient opening-win performance. However, they were unable to replicate that form in their second outing as the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) made light work of the Jamaicans in their Limacol WCPL encounter yesterday.

The Knight Riders secured back-to-back victories to maintain their unbeaten start with a commanding nine-wicket win.

After being sent in to bat, the Empress suffered an early setback, losing two wickets from successive deliveries in the second over.

Run out for a duck

Amy Hunter was brilliantly run out for a duck before former Australia captain Meg Lanning fell for six.

Things worsened for the Shane Brooks-coached side as veteran Stefanie Taylor managed only nine, leaving the Empress struggling at 44 for four at the halfway stage of their innings.

Rashada Williams offered resistance with a patient 40 from 47 balls but received little support as the Empress failed to build momentum and closed on 100 for nine from their 20 overs.

Chinelle Henry, who starred in the Empress’ thrilling opening victory, remained unbeaten on 22.

For the Knight Riders, player of the match Karishma Ramharack spearheaded a disciplined bowling effort, claiming three for 11 from her three overs with impressive control.

In reply, TKR were expertly guided by Indian batting star Yastika Bhatia, who opened the innings and remained unbeaten on a brilliant 57 from 34 balls.

Bhatia paced her innings superbly, striking six boundaries and three sixes.

The Knight Riders’ only casualty was Laura Harris, who was stumped for 22 after being beaten by a sharply turning delivery from Nonkululeko Mlaba.

By the time Harris departed with the score at 35 for one at the end of the fifth over, however, TKR were already well on course for a second successive victory.

Captain Deandra Dottin then joined Bhatia at the crease and blasted 22 from 15 deliveries as the pair shared an unbroken 69-run second-wicket partnership to seal victory with 53 balls to spare.

The Knight Riders will next face the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while the Empress, who have a game in hand, will seek to bounce back against the Barbados Tridents.