North Sound, Antigua — The Leeward Islands Hurricanes suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the opening match of their three-game series on Tuesday in the West Indies Championship.
Batting first, the Hurricanes struggled against the Red Force bowling attack and were dismissed for just 138. Trinidad and Tobago responded with a commanding 558 for 5 declared, highlighted by a superb 203 not out from Amir Jangoo, while Terrence Hinds also produced a strong performance with an unbeaten 100.
Trailing significantly, the Hurricanes were set a daunting target of 369 runs to avoid an innings defeat. However, their second innings collapsed for 98, with captain Justin Greaves providing the only real resistance with 56. Spinner Khary Pierre led the bowling effort for Trinidad and Tobago with impressive figures of 4 for 37.
The Red Force ultimately secured victory by an innings and 271 runs, taking an early advantage in the series.
With the defeat highlighting several weaknesses, attention is now expected to turn to the Leeward Islands selectors, who may consider adjustments to the team ahead of the second match, scheduled to begin on Sunday, April 19.
Other Matches
In another West Indies Championship encounter, the match between the Windward Islands Volcanoes and the Guyana Harpy Eagles is finely balanced heading into the final day.
The Windward Islands posted 286 in their first innings and 209 in the second, with Sunil Ambris scoring an unbeaten 107. Guyana replied with 264 and are currently 38 for 1, needing 194 more runs for victory.
Meanwhile, the contest between the Jamaica Scorpions and the Barbados Pride also remains competitive. Barbados scored 348, powered by Kevin Wickham’s 153, while Jamaica responded with 342. In their second innings, Barbados have reached 255 for 5, leading by 261 runs heading into the final day, with Wickham unbeaten on 81.