The Guyana Amazon Warriors have made a bold statement ahead of the 4th edition of the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) by roping in three impactful names—former South Africa skipper Dane van Niekerk, New Zealand pacer Molly Penfold, and Ireland’s young wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter.
The trio will replace South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail, England’s Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Australia’s Madeline Penna in the squad as the Warriors aim to build a well-rounded unit under the leadership of Stafanie Taylor. The franchise opens its campaign against Deandra Dottin’s Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence Stadium, Guyana, on September 6.
Dane van Niekerk: Adding to the Leadership Core
In what comes as one of the most exciting developments, Dane van Niekerk returns to elite cricket circles after officially revoking her international retirement on August 25, 2025. The 32-year-old all-rounder brings with her a wealth of experience and proven pedigree, having scored 1,877 T20I runs at a measured strike rate of 94.94 and an average of 28.01, including 10 half-centuries across 86 matches. With the ball in hand, her leg-spin has been equally invaluable, claiming 65 wickets at an average of 20.96 and an economy of just 5.45, with one four-wicket haul to her credit in 82 innings.
For the Warriors, van Niekerk is more than just a numbers-driven addition; she is a tactical mind who offers balance with bat and ball. Her ability to anchor the middle overs, consolidate after early wickets, or accelerate when required adds assurance to the batting unit. With the ball, her leg-spin can choke the flow of runs and generate breakthroughs during critical stages. More importantly, her leadership qualities are expected to complement Stafanie Taylor, making her a linchpin in the Warriors’ ambitions for this season.
Molly Penfold: Pace for the Power Play
At just 24, Molly Penfold represents the raw pace and vibrancy of New Zealand cricket’s emerging seam attack. While still relatively early in her career, she has already featured in 10 T20Is, bagging 7 wickets at an average of 26.85 with an economy rate of 8.0. Her ability to generate bounce and extract movement at brisk speeds makes her a vital weapon, especially in Caribbean conditions where pace can rattle top orders.
For Guyana Amazon Warriors, Penfold’s inclusion is particularly significant in light of Shabnim Ismail’s absence. While replacing one of world cricket’s fastest ever bowlers is no easy task, Penfold’s youthful energy and willingness to learn could make this tournament transformative for her development. She will shoulder responsibility with the new ball, tasked to strike early and dictate powerplay outcomes. A strong performance here could establish her as a regular face in global franchise tournaments.
Amy Hunter: Youthful Aggression and Class at the top of the order
Still just 19, Amy Hunter is already making waves in world cricket and arrives in the Caribbean with heavyweight credentials. Representing Ireland in 55 T20Is, the young wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 1,377 runs at an impressive strike rate of 113.99 and an average of 31.29. Her tally includes five fifties and a couple of centuries, a remarkable feat for someone so early in their career.
Hunter’s aggressive batting style makes her an ideal fit in the Warriors’ batting order, where she is expected to provide fearless starts at the top or strengthen the middle-order, ensuring flexibility. Beyond her batting pedigree, her sharp wicket-keeping skills will be crucial against spin, an essential element of Caribbean pitches. Beyond the immediate impact, her presence in the Warriors’ camp also signals futuristic team building, injecting youth and energy into a side built around experienced stalwarts like Taylor and van Niekerk.
The trio of van Niekerk, Penfold, and Hunter ensures that the Guyana Amazon Warriors strike an important balance between experience, raw pace, and youthful promise. Dane brings tactical acumen, Molly offers aggression with the ball, and Amy adds flair with the bat and consistency behind the stumps. With home advantage on their side, Stafanie Taylor’s Warriors will look to set the tone in the tournament opener against Trinbago Knight Riders, beginning their campaign on September 6, 2025, at Providence Stadium, Guyana.
