Javelle Glenn and Abhijai Mansingh orchestrated a remarkable rescue act for Jamaica Scorpions, which placed them in a commanding position to post a formidable first-innings total against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, as they closed Wednesday’s opening day in their sixth-round day/night West Indies Championship clash at a strong 274-6 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Glenn, in particular, was the standout performer, closing just shy of a well-deserved century on 99 not out from 151 balls, a knock decorated with eight boundaries and three towering sixes. Mansingh, showing equal resilience, was unbeaten on 51 from 107 deliveries, striking eight boundaries in his composed innings. The duo’s unbroken 123-run partnership has not only stabilized the innings but has also put Jamaica in a promising position heading into day two.
The Scorpions’ innings began on shaky ground after being sent in to bat. Captain John Campbell (two) and the dangerous Brandon King (zero) fell cheaply to pacer Joshua James, as they were left reeling at 9-2. However, the experienced Jermaine Blackwood and young left-hander Kirk McKenzie steadied the ship with a crucial 94-run stand for the third wicket. McKenzie, who has had an inconsistent season, showed patience but ultimately perished for 31 off 95 balls—a knock that had four boundaries and a six—as he edged one behind off leg-spinner Yannic Cariah.
Blackwood, ever the reliable campaigner, went on to register his half-century in a well-paced 61 off 105 deliveries, featuring seven fours and a six. But just as he was looking to push on, he fell leg-before to the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre.
From a comfortable 111-4, the Scorpions then endured another slump, losing Brad Barnes (six) and Aldaine Thomas (five) in quick succession. Pierre, continuing his strong campaign, removed Barnes, while all-rounder Jason Mohammed chipped in with the ball to send Thomas back. At 151-6, the Scorpions seemed to be teetering, with the Red Force sensing an opportunity to wrap up the innings swiftly.
But just when the Red Force bowlers were eyeing further inroads, Glenn and Mansingh took charge. Glenn, in particular, batted with authority, mixing aggression with calculated shot selection. As his innings progressed, he accelerated the scoring, punishing anything loose and finding the boundary with ease. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps took the pressure off Mansingh, who settled in nicely at the other end.
Mansingh, known for his temperament and technique, played the perfect foil and ensured the Scorpions did not lose another wicket before stumps.
The Red Force, led by Pierre (2-64) and James (2-20), will be eager to break the stand early and limit the damage before the game slips further out of their grasp.