The West Indies Championship second-round clash between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and the West Indies Academy remains finely poised at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. As the match heads into a crucial phase on Friday, the Harpy Eagles, having posted 175 in their first innings, find themselves at 165-5 in their second innings, holding a lead of 178 runs with five second innings wickets still in hand.

The West Indies Academy, resuming from their overnight score of 96-4, battled their way to a total of 162. Rashawn Worrell, who stood on 34 overnight, displayed patience and resilience to contribute 58 runs. Joshua Bishop complemented the effort with a half-century, scoring 51, before the remaining wickets fell relatively cheaply. Gudakesh Motie claimed 3-31, and Veerasammy Permaul proved economical with figures of 3-15, providing the Harpy Eagles with a narrow advantage. Kevin Sinclair, who had taken the first four wickets, ended with figures of 4-45.

Despite the slim lead of just 13 runs, the Harpy Eagles owed their second innings score to a substantial contribution of 49 from Kevlon Anderson. Tagenarine Chanderpaul (29), Matthew Nandu (19), and Tevin Imlach (22) each got starts but failed to capitalize on them.

As the Harpy Eagles aim to build on their marginal advantage, Kemol Savory will resume on 20, and Sinclair on 16. The spotlight will be on Ashmead Nedd, who has been effective with the ball, having taken 4-27 from 26 overs. Nedd will be eager to add to his tally and restrict the Harpy Eagles on a challenging batting pitch.

With both teams eager to gain the upper hand, the Coolidge Cricket Ground is set for an enthralling day of cricket, where every run and wicket will be crucial in determining the outcome of this closely contested West Indies Championship match.