Cornwall and Thomas rip through Bajan batting; Permaul reaches historic landmark
Leeward Islands pair of off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall and seamer Devon Thomas bowled with amazing accuracy as Barbados Pride suffered a huge batting collapse on the second day of Round 3 in matches in the West Indies Championship four-day first-class competition on Thursday in Trinidad, leaving Leeward Islands Hurricanes to chase 247 to win.
In the second match, pacer Ronsford Beaton led the demolition of the batting of hosts Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, enabling leaders Guyana Harpy Eagles to build a strong case for a season-defining victory on the second day of third round matches. It was a historic moment for experienced left-arm spinner Veersammy Permaul who became the leading wicket-taker in regional cricket history.
In the third contest in Guyana, left-hander Alick Athanaze missed out on a hundred for a second time in the match, but led the Windward Islands Volcanoes batting before they were bowled out and set Jamaica Scorpions 415 to win.
Thomas and Cornwall blow past Barbados’ Pride
Scorecard here
At Queen’s Park Oval: Thomas claimed his first five-wicket haul, finishing with 9-1-22-5, while Cornwall achieved 7.2-1-19-5, as they demolished Barbados Pride's second innings at 78 all out. Barbados made 322 all out, thanks to Shane Dowrich's outstanding 124 not out off 200 balls, featuring nine fours and a six. Cornwall concluded the first innings with 24-7-50-6.
In response, Leeward Islands Hurricanes managed 154 all out, led by skipper Jahmar Hamilton's 30, followed by left-hander Colin Archibald’s 24 and Jeremiah Louis who also made 24. Dominic Drakes was Pride's top bowler, achieving 13-0-38-3. Pride's second innings saw a quick downfall after Shayne Moseley made 27 and opening partner and Zachary McCaskie scored 29 to set a solid foundation with a 59-run partnership.
Thomas and Cornwall then sliced through the Pride's batting, as they lost 10 wickets for 19 runs to be 78 all out. Cornwall's match figures stood at 31.2-9-69-10 and is now the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an average of 12 runs per wicket.
With a victory target of 247 and two days remaining, Hurricanes will resume the third day at 13-0.
Permaul moves to top of wicket-taking list
Scorecard here
At Brian Lara Cricket Academy: Jason Mohammed's half-century couldn't prevent a collapse, as the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force were bowled out for 160 all out in reply to Guyana Harpy Eagles 324. Beaton (13-3-31-4), Permaul (14-5-36-3), and seamer Keemo Paul (13-5-37-3) were the wicket-taker. Guyana ended Day 2 at 96-3 in their second innings, a lead of 260 runs.
The innings had special significance for the persevering Permaul as he surpassed Nikita Miller to become the leading wicket-taker in regional first-class cricket. Permaul now has 512 wickets while Miller took 511 for Jamaica in a stellar career.
“It’s a good feeling to achieve such a significant milestone,” said Permaul who is now in his 17th season at this level. “Cricket is a game of numbers, so it’s always nice to have good numbers. I’m looking forward to getting more success and help my country to win the title again.”
Greaves and Athanaze put Volcanoes on course for victory
Scorecard here
At Guyana National Stadium: Justin Greaves had figures of 10.3-4-34-6 to ensure that the Windward Islands Volcanoes held a commanding 116-run lead against the Jamaica Scorpions who were bowled out for 101 in their first innings.
Skipper Alick Athanaze then continued his excellent batting form but fell agonizingly short of a century when he was caught for 97 off 100 balls, which included 15 boundaries and a six. The left-hander made 81 in the first innings and is now the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 325 runs in five knocks.
Together with Kavem Hodge 82 (107) who struck nine boundaries a six, Athanaze shared in a 171-run partnership. Then a stand of 44 between Sunil Ambris (23) and Justin Greaves (33) saw the Windward Islands post 298 all out – an overall lead of 414 going into the third day. Left-arm spinner Patrick Harty was the best bowler for the Scorpions with figures of 19-2-62-3.
Play in all three matches resumes on Friday at 10am (9am Jamaica Time).
Fans can stream all West Indies Championship matches live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel https://bit.ly/streamwichamps2023 and access live ball-by-ball scoring at http://windiescricket.com/ match centre.
Following the Championship, the new Headley/Weekes Series will feature three teams and matches, drawing from top performers in the 2023 West Indies Championship and players outside the starting West Indies Test XI. The Series will run from 18 April to 6 May at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
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