Barbados Pride’s batting unit delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the 2025 West Indies Championship, posting 346 all out from 84.3 overs against the Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence on Wednesday.

Half-centuries from Zachary McCaskie, Jonathan Drakes, and Matthew Forde laid the foundation for the visitors, who made full use of the conditions after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

MacCaskie set the early tone, striking a fluent 64 from just 75 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, before falling to Ronaldo Alimohamed. His innings provided Barbados with a solid start after early losses saw them stumble to 35-2 following the dismissals of Leniko Boucher (19) and captain Raymon Reifer (6).

Drakes then anchored the middle order with a patient 70 from 120 deliveries, compiling 11 fours in his knock. However, he was trapped lbw by Richie Looknauth, who emerged as Guyana’s most effective bowler with 4-69 from 17 overs.

Forde, coming in at number seven, played a blistering innings, smashing 82 from 91 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. His aggressive stroke play kept the momentum going even as wickets fell around him. He was eventually stumped off Veerasammy Permaul.

Chaim Holder contributed 35 from 92 balls, while Chemar Holder played a quick-fire 29 off 30 deliveries to push the total past 300.

Guyana’s bowling attack had moments of success, with Looknauth leading the way, while Permaul (2-87) and Alimohamed (2-37) also provided key breakthroughs.

With 346 on the board, Barbados will now look to their bowlers to capitalize on the early advantage when Guyana begins their reply on Day 2.