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South African Stars Make Their Mark as WCPL 2026 Gets Underway

The 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) got off to an exciting start at Kensington Oval in Barbados, with two closely contested encounters setting the tone for an expanded tournament that now features four franchises, including newcomers Jamaica Empress.


© @jamaicaempressw

For South African cricket fans, the opening matches provided plenty to follow, with several Proteas stars making their presence felt across both fixtures.

Jamaica Empress Edge Guyana Amazon Warriors in DLS Thriller

Newcomers Jamaica Empress marked their maiden WCPL campaign with a dramatic one-wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

Guyana posted 138/7 from their 20 overs, with Jamaica eventually reaching 136/9 in 19 overs before rain interrupted the contest and handed the newly formed franchise a memorable opening victory. South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba played an important role for Jamaica Empress, producing a disciplined four-over spell in which she claimed two wickets and conceded just 17 runs. Her economical performance proved valuable in a match decided by the narrowest of margins.

On the Guyana side, South African pace star Shabnim Ismail also made her presence felt. The express pacer claimed two wickets while conceding 29 runs in her four overs. With the bat, Ismail faced two deliveries and scored one run. Ismail also produced one of the standout fielding moments of the match, taking a brilliant catch to claim the fourth wicket for the Amazon Warriors.

Guyana’s South African contingent also included Nadine de Klerk, who claimed one wicket and was involved in a run-out. She finished with figures of 1/15 from two overs and scored two runs from two deliveries before being run out.

Tazmin Brits opened the batting for Guyana, scoring one run from five deliveries. She also contributed in the field, taking a catch to dismiss Joseph and playing a role in another run-out involving Mair.

Leading the Amazon Warriors was South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon, who has been appointed captain for the 2026 campaign. Tryon produced a valuable unbeaten 21 from 16 deliveries and also contributed with the ball and in the field, forcing the run-out of captain Taylor and taking a catch to dismiss Alleyne. Tryon’s leadership will be one of the key storylines to follow throughout the tournament as she looks to guide Guyana through the expanded four-team competition.

Nonkululeko Mlaba © @jamaicaempressw

Trinbago Knight Riders Begin With Victory

Earlier, the Trinbago Knight Riders began their campaign on a winning note, defeating the Barbados Tridents by 21 runs. The Knight Riders posted 155 before restricting Barbados to 134, securing an important victory in their opening fixture. The result provides an early confidence boost for Trinbago, particularly against a Barbados side that has dominated the competition in recent seasons. The Tridents had won three consecutive WCPL titles between 2023 and 2025, making the Knight Riders’ opening-round victory an early statement of intent.

South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp contributed with both bat and ball. Kapp claimed one wicket while conceding 22 runs from her three overs and scored 11 runs from eight deliveries before leaving the field.

Proteas Stars Add International Flair to WCPL

With the 2026 WCPL expanding to four teams, the competition offers an even bigger platform for South African players to showcase their talent alongside some of the world’s leading cricketers. The opening matches have already delivered dramatic finishes, individual moments of brilliance and strong performances from the Proteas contingent.

For South African cricket supporters, the tournament will be one to watch closely as players such as Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp continue their campaigns in the Caribbean.


Upcoming Fixtures

Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Empress – 10/09/2026 | 16:00

Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors – 12/09/2026 | 16:00 

Barbados Tridents vs Jamaica Empress – 12/09/2026 | 21:00


Writer: Jabulile Mabena


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