Title race heading to final day with Windwards favorites for historic win
The Windward Islands Volcanoes are seven wickets away from the most important victory in their franchise history. A win over the Barbados Pride on the final day of the final round of the West Indies Championship at the Queen’s Park Oval, could see them lift the title for the first time. The race to see who will be crowned champions will enter the final day on Saturday, with Windwards appearing favorites,. They will also have one eye on the match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Leeward Islands at the Guyana National Stadium.
Scorecard here
Sunil Ambris cemented himself in two valuable partnerships of 77 runs with Kavem Hodge and 69 with Tevin Walcott, to lift the Volcanoes to a possible match-winning lead of 235 runs. Ambris was trapped LBW to Akeem Jordan for 79, while Hodge scored 27 and Walcott 35. Ryan John had a late flourish of 37 not out to contribute to the Volcanoes lead. Jomel Warrican was the pick of the Pride bowlers, finishing with figures of 27.1-13-58-4, while Jordan and Jair McAllister had two wickets a piece.
When Barbados batted a second time, John sent first innings century-maker Shayne Moseley’s stumps flying, bowling him for 10, while Kenneth Dember clipped the bails of Rashawn Worrell for eight. Zhacary McCaskie fell without scoring to leave the Barbados Pride on 28-3. They will needing a further 208 runs for victory on what looks an intriguing final day.
Volcanoes skipper Alick Athanaze isn’t fazed by the feat facing his team, but they are focusing on getting on the job done.
“The game is still in the balance. We got three wickets, but it was excellent effort with the bat and the ball. We have to keep believing and keep enjoying the game and things will be alright for us. Sunil is a class act and kudos to him, he came at the right time and batted perfectly. It will play on my mind (possible title win) but we have to keep focus on the processes and keep enjoying the game.”
Leewards need 62 more runs for upset over Guyana
Scorecard here
The Leeward Islands Hurricanes require 62 runs for what would be a major upset over the Guyana Harpy Eagles in their final round encounter at the Guyana National Stadium. A solid knock of 66 not out from Kemol Savory and 65 from Veerasammy Permaul rescued the Guyana innings to allow them to post 267 all out, a lead of 142. Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall was once against the best bowler for the Hurricanes as he ended the second innings with figures of 22-4-58-4 followed by Jeremiah Louis with 17-1-66-3.
Kieran Powell 47 not out and Keacy Carty 17 not out have set the Hurricanes on course for victory, as they closed the day on 81-1. Guyana started the match at the top of the table, but with the possibility of Leewards toppling them, could mean they slip down the table if Windwards record a triumph over Barbados.
T&T close season with victory over winless Jamaica
Scorecard here
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force closed off theirnship campaign with a nine-wicket win over the Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The Scorpions posted a total of 275 all out a lead of 98 runs. Imran Khan finished with figures of 17.5-3-47-4, while Shannon Gabriel, Anderson Phillip and Bryan Charles all had two wickets each.
An unbeaten 44 from Vikash Mohan and 14 not out from skipper Darren Bravo saw Red Force to victory, with an earlier contribution of 39 from debutant opener Kamil Pooran..
Play continues in the remaining two matches from 10am (9am Jamaica time) on Saturday.
Fans can stream all West Indies Championship matches live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel and access live ball-by-ball scoring at http://windiescricket.com/ match center. 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 April 18 to May 6 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
-ENDS-