Cricket

The West Indies' hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup have been dealt a blow with the injury to all-rounder Stafanie Taylor. The 33-year-old suffered a knee injury during Thursday's eight-wicket win over Bangladesh and was forced to retire hurt on 27.Taylor's injury is a major concern for the West Indies, as she is a key player in their lineup. She is a versatile all-rounder who can bat, bowl, and field, and her experience is invaluable to the team.West Indies captain Hayley Matthews said that Taylor's injury is a "knee problem" and that the team is "trying to look after her really well." Matthews also praised Taylor's fighting spirit and said that she "knows how to manage her body pretty well."The West Indies will face undefeated England in their last Group B game on Tuesday. Pool rivals South Africa are also in the running for a semi-final spot.Matthews said that the West Indies are "up for the challenge" of facing England. "If you want to be competing and winning World Cups, you're going to have to beat the best teams in the world," she said.The West Indies will need to win their last group game against England to secure a place in the semi-finals. If they can do that, they will be one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has taken a groundbreaking step by awarding multi-year contracts to its top male and female cricketers. This move is a testament to the board's commitment to player development and stability.The contracts, which span from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026, are the result of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA). The contracts provide financial security and peace of mind for the players, allowing them to focus on their performances.A total of 15 male players have been awarded contracts, with six receiving two-year deals. Men's ODI captain Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales are among those who have earned multi-year contracts.The women's team has also benefited from the new contract structure. Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, and Hayley Matthews have all been awarded multi-year deals."CWI has committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue with players, and being practical about the realities of the modern game," said Miles Bascombe, CWI's director of cricket. "The players have responded in kind, and the acceptance of multi-year contracts is an indication of clarity, confidence, and commitment on both sides."Notable absentees from the contracts list include senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, who is currently in discussions about a dual playing and mentor role. Batter Tagenarine Chanderpaul has also missed out on a central contract but will take up a franchise retainer contract with Guyana Harpy Eagles.Among the new entrants to the contracts list are allrounder Roston Chase and batter Kavem Hodge. Chase was a key player in West Indies' run to the Super Eight during the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Hodge scored a vital first-innings 71 in West Indies' first Test victory in Australia in 28 years.The awarding of multi-year contracts is a significant step forward for West Indies cricket. It provides stability and security for the players, allowing them to focus on their performances and contribute to the success of the team.

West Indies' Stafanie Taylor and Afy Fletcher played pivotal roles in securing a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I in Hambantota, leveling the three-match series 1-1.Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 99 in 15 overs, Taylor's unbeaten 28 off 26 balls and Fletcher's four-wicket haul proved decisive. Taylor and captain Hayley Matthews provided a solid start with a 44-run partnership, keeping West Indies ahead of the DLS-par score.After Matthews' dismissal, Taylor anchored the chase, partnering with Shemaine Campbelle for 24 runs. Despite losing Campbelle, Qiana Joseph, and Chedean Nation, West Indies maintained a comfortable run rate. Aaliyah Alleyne sealed the victory with three boundaries in the penultimate over.Sri Lanka's innings was characterized by a slow start, with Vishmi Gunaratne and Chamari Athapaththu scoring 44 runs in 6.5 overs. Fletcher's spin proved effective, dismissing Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. Gunaratne's 24 off 35 was ended by a Fletcher googly.Dilhari's late cameo of 14 not out off six balls hinted at a potential counterattack, but rain intervened, ending the innings after 15.2 overs.West Indies' victory marks their first of the tour and sets up an intriguing decider in the final T20I.

West Indies emerged victorious in the second ODI against Pakistan, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The thrilling encounter witnessed a late twist, with West Indies snatching a two-wicket win off the final ball.Pakistan, opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 223 thanks to half-centuries from Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof. However, West Indies' bowlers, led by Chinelle Henry and Karishma Ramharack, kept the Pakistani batters in check, restricting them to a manageable target.In the chase, West Indies lost early wickets but Hayley Mathews kept the innings afloat with a solid 44. Shemaine Campbelle and Stafanie Taylor then forged a crucial 88-run partnership, putting West Indies in a commanding position. Taylor, who top-scored with 73, anchored the innings even after Campbelle's departure.However, Pakistan captain Nida Dar staged a remarkable comeback, claiming four wickets in quick succession to bring her team back into contention. With West Indies needing five runs off the final six balls, Fatima Sana conceded just two off the first five deliveries, including the wicket of Afy Fletcher.But in a dramatic twist, Ramharack managed to edge the final ball past the wicketkeeper for a boundary, sparking jubilation in the West Indies camp. The victory not only secured the series for West Indies but also extended their unbeaten streak in ODIs to 10 matches.