WEST INDIES CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF PREVIEW – SECOND FINALIST TO BE DECIDED
ST JOHN’S, Antigua- There is a strong sense of optimism and confidence surrounding both the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and the Barbados Pride as they prepare to square off in a playoff from May 10-13 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, for the chance to join reigning champions the Guyana Harpy Eagles in the final of the West Indies Championship.
The Red Force secured their place in the playoff after a dominant innings and 271-run victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their first encounter, followed by two consecutive drawn matches, to finish second in the standings with 53.6 points.
Meanwhile, the Barbados Pride rebounded from an opening-match defeat to the Jamaica Scorpions to outscore their opponents 42.2 points to 34 by the end of the bilateral series. They secured their spot in the final with an impressive innings and 11-run victory in match three to level series at one win apiece after the second match ended in a high-scoring draw.
The previous results have set the stage for a fascinating showdown between two fierce rivals, both determined to finish on top when the tournament concludes on May 20.
In their most recent meeting, the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force walked away with a memorable innings and 56-run victory over the Pride at Kensington Oval in Barbados in 2025.
The match saw the Pride dismissed for a mere 86 in their first innings thanks to the Red Force pace bowling attack, before the visitors cruised to victory inside two days
Jayden Seales returns to the squad after being rested, having already claimed 13 wickets in two matches, while Anderson Phillip, with 17 wickets, is the championship’s leading pace bowler this season.
Sunday’s encounter, however, offers both teams another chance to renew their rivalry. Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva said his side will not underestimate the Pride and is instead relying on the consistency that has marked the team’s strong start to the Championship.
“It is about getting back to the basics and the drawing board by sharpening up a few skills that we may need for the upcoming games, but all in all the team is gelling well. We have a good core here that I think can take us to the final and win it.” Da Silva said.
For the Pride, confidence is high heading into the playoff match. They boast the most 300-plus team totals in the tournament and feature the competition’s leading scorer, Kevin Wickham, who has amassed 371 runs in four innings at an average of 123.66. Their morale was further boosted after overcoming a series deficit against the Jamaica Scorpions to secure their place in the playoffs.
Seeking new ball reinforcements, the Pride have drafted in Akeem Jordan for Jair McAllister from the bilateral series against the Scorpions and captain Kraigg Brathwaite is eager to see the consistency levels maintained.
“Overall, I just want to see discipline in both departments but especially bowling,” Brathwaite shared. “Batting wise we had four innings where we scored above 300 plus, but I think will still need to make improvements all round, batting, bowling and getting better in the field, because there are always things to work on and we can’t take things for granted because we have to get stronger.”
Away from the intensity of the playoff battle, defending champions the Guyana Harpy Eagles are fine-tuning their preparations with a match against the West Indies Academy at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
The Harpy Eagles have been flawless so far, recording three consecutive victories to sit atop the standings. They also boast the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Gudakesh Motie, who has claimed 24 wickets to date.
Jonathan Van Lange and Thaddeus Lovell have been drafted into the squad to replace the injured Isai Thorne, while Shamar Joseph has been rested.
Captain Tevin Imlach believes the match against the Academy presents another valuable opportunity for the batting unit to sharpen its skills ahead of the final showdown.
“We have some things to work on to be at our best, we need to be better as a batting group especially our top five, we need to be more consistent and score hundreds,” Imlach expressed.
Both matches bowl off at 10am local time/9am in Jamaica.
List of Squads
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force: Joshua Da Silva (Captain), Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Cephas Cooper, Jyd Goolie, Terrence Hinds, Joshua James, Amir Jangoo, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales.
Barbados Pride: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Joshua Bishop, Jediah Blades, Leniko Boucher, Roston Chase, Jonathan Drakes, Akeem Jordan, Johann Layne, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Shamar Springer, Jomel Warrican and Kevin Wickham.
Guyana Harpy Eagles: Tevin Imlach (Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Richie Looknauth, Thaddeus Lovell, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Nandu, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Zeynul Ramsammy, Kemol Savory, Nial Smith and Jonathan Van Lange.
West Indies Academy: Rivaldo Clarke (Captain), Ryan Bandoo, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, Giovonte Depeiza, Mavendra Dindyal, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Mbeki Joseph, Zishan Motara, Shaqkere Parris, Jakeem Pollard, Kelvin Pitman and Reneico Smith.