Brazil’s Depth On Show As Development Side Dominates South American Women’s Championship

The 2026 South American Women’s Championship took place last week, with the tournament spanning five days from Wednesday through to Sunday and featuring Chile, Brazil A and Costa Rica.

It’s safe to say that it was pretty much Brazilian dominance throughout the tournament at Pocos de Caldas, adding to what has already been a successful year for Brazilian cricket.

As reported recently, the Brazil men’s team enjoyed success at the South American Championship, while the women’s team also tasted success in Europe in a triangular series. This time, it was the turn of Brazil’s development side to test their wits and show what they had about them.

And following the conclusion of the South American Women’s Championship, it’s safe to say that cricket in Brazil is definitely on a steady incline.

They opened their campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Chile, bowling the Chileans out for just 52 runs. The pick of the bunch was Geovana De Lima, who picked up three wickets for just eight runs.

With the bat, Brazil made pretty easy work of the chase, with captain Beatriz Pereira hitting a steady 29* to see them home.

The second match featured Chile and Costa Rica, with Costa Rica enjoying a convincing victory. Chile’s best batter, Jessica Miranda, scored 32 runs off 40 balls as they posted 86-8 from the 20 overs.

Costa Rica had little issue chasing the score down, doing so with the loss of just one wicket. Maria Miranda played a steady innings, scoring 25 off 56 balls to help see her side home.

Next up for the Brazilians was Costa Rica, where they carried on from their dominant display against Chile by absolutely blitzing Costa Rica.

Brazil posted a steady total of 120-6, with Gabrieli Da Silva the top scorer with 37 runs. In reply, Costa Rica were bowled out for just 25, with the Brazilian bowlers dominating as each of the five used picked up at least one wicket.

The pick of the bowlers was Lavinia Silva, who took three wickets for just three runs, while De Lima added to her three wickets in the opening game by picking up another two.

In Brazil’s third match, they would meet Chile once again, where they posted 164-6, with Lavinia Silva the pick of the batters with 31 runs. Chile managed to bat out all 20 overs, posting 56-5; Brazil ran out winners by 108 runs.

Costa Rica and Chile then battled it out once again, in what was another affair won by the Costa Rican side. This time, Chile posted 72-9, with Costa Rica winning by eight wickets after reaching 73 for the loss of just two wickets, booking their place in the final against Brazil.

In the sixth and final group match, Brazil enjoyed another victory, this time by 62 runs. Gabriela Bernardes picked up the Player of the Match award after scoring 19 runs and taking two wickets for 12 runs.

In the final, it was Brazilian control once again as they defeated Costa Rica by 74 runs. Batting first, Brazil posted 127 for six, with Hilary Iaccino their top scorer with 37 runs.

Costa Rica replied by being bowled out for 53, with Lavinia Silva taking three wickets to help Brazil to a comfortable victory and crown the Brazilian women the 2026 South American Women’s Championship winners.

Player of the Match in the final was Lavinia Silva, who didn’t just perform with bat and ball, but also in the field. She scored 12 runs with the bat, took three wickets for just six runs with the ball and added two catches as Brazil claimed the title.

The individual awards saw Iaccino pick up the best batter award with 67 runs, while the best bowler went to Eloise Roque with 10 wickets. Yoshanil Thomas of Costa Rica was named the best fielder with five dismissals, while the MVP of the tournament went to Lavina Silva.

With 49 runs, eight wickets and three dismissals in the field, Silva enjoyed an excellent all-round tournament and was deservedly named the best player of the competition.

While Costa Rica and Chile couldn’t handle Brazil’s firepower, the important thing was that they got the chance to showcase their talent, take on Brazil and compete in the South American Championship.

Tournaments like this are ones that help improve and develop nations in the game. It’s something that has happened with Brazil over the years, and something that will only help the likes of Costa Rica and Chile improve going forward.

For Brazil, it shows just how strong they are becoming, not just with their main team, but also at the development level, as they continue to improve and get stronger and stronger.

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