Jahmar Hamilton and Karima Gore struck half-centuries to steer the Leeward Islands Hurricanes to a competitive 290-6 at stumps on the opening day of the 2025 West Indies Championship against the West Indies Academy at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua on Wednesday.

Hamilton finished the day unbeaten on 67, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the innings after the Hurricanes suffered a mid-innings collapse. He was well supported by Gore, whose 59 anchored the middle order before he was dismissed late in the day. Captain Rahkeem Cornwall was also unbeaten on 13, keeping company with Hamilton when play ended.

The Leewards had earlier started solidly with opener Joshua Grant contributing a brisk 34 before falling lbw to Joshua Bishop. His opening partner, Kadeem Henry, played a more patient knock, compiling 48 from 141 deliveries before he too fell to Bishop, who was the pick of the West Indies Academy bowlers with figures of 4-81 from 28 overs.

Shelton Forbes (22) and Jewel Andrew (0) were dismissed in quick succession as the Hurricanes found themselves in a spot of trouble at 128-4. However, a 110-run fifth-wicket partnership between Hamilton and Gore helped the Hurricanes recover, with both batsmen showing composure against disciplined spells from the Academy bowlers.

Gore’s innings of 59 included five fours and three sixes before he was caught off the bowling of Johann Layne. Hamilton, however, remained resolute, striking nine boundaries in his knock as he guided the Hurricanes to a respectable total.

Hayden Walsh Jr. chipped in with a useful 21 before falling to Jediah Blades, while Cornwall struck three boundaries in his short stay at the crease.

For the Academy bowlers, Bishop’s four-wicket haul was the standout performance, while Layne and Blades picked up a wicket each.

With a solid foundation set, the Hurricanes will look to push towards a commanding first-innings total when play resumes on Day 2.