The Trinbago Knight Riders have completed a stunning turnaround in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, going from a winless campaign last year to the first team to qualify for this year’s final.
The Knight Riders will face the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval on Thursday, with captain Deandra Dottin pointing to a change in mindset as a key factor behind their improved form.
“I think probably last year we were trying to force it a bit too much, but this year we’re just actually letting it come to us. We’re sticking to the basics and we’re doing the one percenters right,” Dottin said.
“Our plans are actually coming together and I really like how we have gelled in such a short space of time, while supporting each other and enjoying each other’s company.”
According to the veteran allrounder, having gone through such a lean patch in 2025, would make lifting the title on Thursday an extra special moment.
“That would be a really good feeling, probably a feeling that you can’t express. Following last year to be the first team to qualify in the playoffs and going straight to the final, I mean like it’s a really good feeling to be honest,” she admitted.
Reflecting further on last year’s challenging campaign, Dottin said she always maintained a positive outlook and strong self belief due to her faith in God, “without whom you’re actually nothing,” but her outlook was further strengthened after seeing the team selected for this year on paper.
“After we came together and picked the squad…I mean like we have a really good squad. We have some power hitters, we have some experienced players as well and also the regional and local players that are actually in the squad who are young and are actually playing good cricket as well.
“After having a couple of training sessions before the start of the tournament, you have that feeling that something good is gonna happen. But, it’s just a matter of cricket being played on the day and sticking to the basics consistently,” Dottin added.
If the team goes on to win the title on Thursday, Dottin said she wants fans to remember that they are a never say never side.
“I mean there are other teams that would have actually probably given up, but we as TKR women’s team, we just always try to push. It’s a never say never situation where we always have a chance, we always have an opportunity, by the grace of God and the help and strength that he’s given us to play in this tournament.”
TKR opened their 2026 campaign with a 21-run victory over three time champions Barbados Tridents, before defeating Jamaica Empress Women by nine wickets.
Their lone defeat came at the hands of Guyana Amazon Warriors, who beat Dottin’s team by 25 runs on September 12.
(KH)
The post Knight Riders complete remarkable turnaround appeared first on Barbados Today.
