Hurricanes, Pride open Super50 campaigns with wins

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

THE LEEWARD Islands Hurricanes recorded a dominant victory, defeating the West Indies Academy by 142 runs in their Regional Super50 Cup match at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday, while the Jamaica Scorpions fell short of a Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) total set by the Barbados Pride in Tarouba.

Opting to take the first strike, the Hurricanes amassed a competitive 236-7 in a rain-reduced 47-over match, powered by a sensational, unbeaten century from Justin Greaves. The Barbadian opener stroked 111 from 117 balls, which included nine fours and a six to anchor the innings.

Dimitri Adams chipped in with a valuable 26 runs. Jediah Blades and Joshua Bishop put in a good shift with the ball, with the former claiming 3-49 and the latter ending with 2-31.

In reply, the West Indies Academy struggled to establish any momentum and were bowled out for a meagre 94 in just 27.5 overs.

Nimar Bolden top-scored with 30, while captain Teddy Bishop and wicket-keeper Carlon Bowen-Tuckett each contributed 21.

The Hurricanes’ bowlers executed their plan brilliantly, led by experienced off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall, who dismantled the Academy’s batting line-up with figures of 3-22. He was ably supported by Daniel Doram, whose three wickets cost just 34.

Over at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the Pride got the better of the Scorpions with stout batting and competent bowling.

Batting first, the Pride put up a challenging 260-8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Leniko Boucher leading the scoring with a solid 73, while Zachary McCaskie contributed a patient 63.

Captain Kyle Mayers chipped in with a brisk 41, bolstering the Pride’s innings.

Marquino Mindley was the pick of the bowlers for the Scorpions with 3-32, and Jeavor Royal and Brad Barnes each took two wickets.

Chasing a revised target of 223 due to rain, the Scorpions faltered at critical moments and were bowled out for 199 in 35 overs. Odean Smith top-scored with a fighting 45, and Jermaine Blackwood added a steady 40.

Jomel Warrican led the demolition job with impressive figures of 4-25, while left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes took 3-34.