Barbados Pride gradually took control after bowling out Jamaica Scorpions for 231 on day one of their third-round West Indies Championship contest at Kensington Oval on Wednesday.

Chaim Holder, who had a decent haul in the Pride’s previous encounter, spearheaded the attack with 3-66, while captain Kraigg Brathwaite (2-1), Jomel Warrican (2-42), and Kemar Roach (2-45) played crucial roles in restricting the Scorpions to a moderate total.

Despite a fighting 42-ball 50 from Odean Smith, the Scorpions struggled to build momentum. In response, the Pride were nine without loss at stumps, with Brathwaite and Zachary McCaskie both unbeaten on four.

Inserted to bat first, the Scorpions lost captain John Campbell (16) in the ninth over with the score at 25-1. Kirk McKenzie (19) and Carlos Brown (29) attempted to steady the innings but fell in quick succession, leaving the Scorpions at 75-3.

Jermaine Blackwood (30) and Javelle Glenn (27) stitched together a 48-run stand for the fourth wicket, pushing the Scorpions past 120. Glenn played an aggressive knock, striking two fours and two sixes, but was caught off Holder at 123-4. From there, the collapse continued as Brad Barnes (2), Daniel Beckford (0), and Blackwood all fell in rapid succession, reducing the score to 138-7.

However, Smith launched a counterattack, smashing four sixes and two fours in his half-century while forging a vital 77-run partnership with Jeavor Royal, who made a patient 43, including five boundaries. Their resistance was eventually broken when Warrican had Smith caught, and Brathwaite accounted for both Royal and Tamarie Redwood (0) to wrap up the innings. Marquino Mindley was left unbeaten on four.

The Pride had a steady start in reply and will be aiming to build a strong lead on day two.