Barbados were 27-0 against the Leeward Islands at stumps on the opening day of the West Indies Championships at Kensington Oval on Wednesday. This was in reply to the Leewards’ score of 172-9 declared in 53.3 overs.

Keon Harding took 4-42 and Johnathan Carter 2-9 to help Barbados dismantle the Leewards’ who owed their score to Devon Thomas who scored 58 and Kieran Powell, who made 43 on opening the batting.

Powell and Kacey Carty added 52 for the second wicket after Harding had dismissed Montcin Hodge for seven. Jomel Warrican broke the partnership when he dismissed Carty for 20.

The Leewards had added four runs to their score when Harding dismissed Powell to leave the visitors struggling as 76-3. Harding then dismissed Amir Mangoo for a 15-ball duck and the Leewards were in further trouble at 89-4.

Thomas and Jahmar Hamilton came together to mount the largest partnership of the innings, 72 for the fifth wicket when Johnathan Carter dismissed Thomas to end the resistance. Hamilton was eventually bowled for 29 and the Leewards innings fell away afterwards.

At the close of play, Kraigg Brathwaite was unbeaten on 11 and Shayne Moseley eight.