Leeward Islands Hurricanes are gradually in the ascendancy after Wednesday's opening day of their sixth-round West Indies Championship clash against reigning champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, as a compelling contest is unfolding at Warner Park.
After a dominant bowling display, the Hurricanes closed the day at 143-4 in response to the Harpy Eagles' 193 all out. With just 50 runs separating the two sides heading into Thursday’s second day, the match is delicately poised. However, with Keacy Carty, on 20, and Jahmar Hamilton, on three, still at the crease, the Hurricanes have the opportunity to push ahead and dictate terms.
Opting to bat first, the Harpy Eagles found themselves in early trouble as the Hurricanes' bowling attack made light work of their top order. The defending champions slumped to 69-5 after Raymond Perez (10), Matthew Nandu (10), captain Tevin Imlach (five), Kemol Savory (four), and Kevin Sinclair (13) all fell cheaply.
However, middle-order batsman Kevlon Anderson led a spirited fightback, playing a masterful unbeaten knock of 77 off 96 deliveries. His innings, laced with 10 fours and a six, held the Harpy Eagles' innings together as wickets tumbled around him.
Keemo Paul provided temporary resistance with an entertaining 31 off 24 balls, striking six boundaries in an aggressive cameo, as he shared in a 50-run stand with Anderson before Oshane Thomas had him caught by Kadeem Henry.
Anderson then found another ally in Ronaldo Alimohamed, as the pair put on 43 for the seventh wicket. But once Alimohamed departed, caught off Hayden Walsh, the innings unraveled. Anderson ran out of partners, stranded at the other end as the last three wickets fell quickly.
Captain Rahkeem Cornwall spearheaded the Hurricanes’ bowling effort with 3-25, while Walsh (2-26), Justin Greaves (2-30), and Thomas (2-48) all chipped in to dismantle the Harpy Eagles.
In response, the Hurricanes had a strong start with an attacking 50-run opening stand between Kadeem Henry (22) and Mikyle Louis. However, Paul struck the first blow when he had Henry caught behind.
Despite the early loss, Louis continued his counterattack and blazed his way to a brilliant 76 off just 67 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes. He forged a 56-run second-wicket partnership with Carty, which pushed the Hurricanes past the 100-run mark. However, his fireworks ended when he mistimed a shot off Nial Smith, gifting a catch to Alimohamed.
The Harpy Eagles fought back, removing Karima Gore (one) and Jewel Andrew (16) in quick succession to reduce the Hurricanes to 131-4. Paul, who has so far claimed 2-43, was the chief wicket-taker, keeping the visitors in the hunt.
But with Carty and Hamilton steadying the ship before stumps, the Hurricanes hold a slight advantage, setting the stage for another intriguing day of cricket.