When the Windward Islands Infernos stumbled to 38-4 inside seven overs, things looked grim, but Captain Alick Athanaze stepped into the spotlight with the calm of a seasoned leader and the firepower of a finisher. His unbeaten 91 off 57 balls and Darel Cyrus’ decisive four-wicket burst propelled the Infernos to a 25-run win over the Guyana Rainforest Rangers in their opening match of the West Indies T20 Breakout League on Friday.

Athanaze’s innings was another display of his ability to score quickly, as he struck five fours and seven sixes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The left-hander weathered the early collapse and then launched into overdrive, steering his side to a respectable 166-6. It was a captain’s knock that not only rescued his team but ultimately paved the way for victory.

Scores: Windward Islands Infernos 166-6 (20 overs); Guyana Rainforest Rangers 141-9 (20 overs)

The Infernos were in deep trouble after being sent in, as they lost Ackeem Auguste (one), Johann Jeremiah (14), Teddy Bishop (two), and Shadrack Descarte (zero) early. But Athanaze found a reliable partner in Dillon Douglas, who supported him with a gritty 26 off 32 balls in a stabilizing 83-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Even after Douglas fell to Jediah Blades and Ryan John (seven) had a brief stay, Athanaze kept the innings alive with late acceleration alongside Noelle Leo, who contributed a handy unbeaten 13.

The Rangers’ bowling effort, led by Nial Smith (3-28) and Blades (2-34), was disciplined early on, but Athanaze’s surge swung the momentum.

In response, Guyana’s chase was anchored by a promising 107-run second-wicket stand between Adrian Sukhwa and Kevlon Anderson after an early blow from Ryan John, who removed Rivaldo Clarke (four) in the third over.

Sukhwa made 57 off 43, including six fours and a six, while Kevlon Anderson's 43-ball 58 had three fours and three sixes. But once their stand was broken, the floodgates opened. John returned to dismiss Sukhwa, and Cyrus took over, ripping through the middle and lower order in a match-turning spell.

Anderson, who looked well-set, was one of Cyrus’ scalps, followed quickly by Kevin Sinclair (zero) as the Rangers slid from 126-4 to 141-9, losing five wickets for just 15 runs in a dramatic collapse.

Cyrus ended with 4-37, while John’s 2-16 reinforced a complete bowling display.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago Legions were set to face off with the Barbados Pelicans in the late game of the evening double-header.