ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force strengthened their grip on their third-round West Indies Championship encounter against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes following an outstanding second day’s performance at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
Captain Joshua Da Silva produced a magnificent career-best 220 to power the Red Force to a commanding 522 for 9 declared—their highest total of the tournament so far. Resuming on 72 not out, Da Silva anchored the innings with a marathon knock lasting just over seven hours, facing 304 deliveries and striking 20 fours and two sixes.
He shared a crucial 132-run sixth-wicket partnership with Terrance Hinds, ensuring his side maintained control despite intermittent breakthroughs by the Hurricanes’ bowlers. Karima Gore was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 86, while Oshane Thomas claimed 2 for 70.
In reply, the Hurricanes endured a disastrous start, losing both openers without scoring. Though Gore (60 not out) and Keacy Carty attempted to stabilise the innings with a 62-run stand, wickets continued to fall. By stumps, the Hurricanes were struggling at 88 for 4, still trailing by 434 runs.
Fast bowler Anderson Phillip struck early blows to leave the hosts under severe pressure, with captain Justin Greaves expected to play a key role in preventing the follow-on.
At the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the contest between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Windward Islands Volcanoes remains finely poised.
The Volcanoes were dismissed for 223 in response to the Harpy Eagles’ first-innings total of 242, conceding a narrow 19-run lead. However, they fought back strongly late in the day, claiming two wickets to leave the Harpy Eagles at 44 for 2 in their second innings—an overall lead of 63 runs.
With momentum shifting between both sides, the match is delicately balanced heading into the next day, with neither team able to assert full control.
Meanwhile, at Sabina Park, the Barbados Pride remain in a dominant position against the Jamaica Scorpions after posting a formidable first-innings total of 346 for 5. Their strong batting display has placed them firmly in command as the match progresses.
With two days remaining in this round, the Red Force appear firmly on course for a decisive result, while the Harpy Eagles and Volcanoes contest is shaping into a potential thriller. Across the region, the battle for crucial championship points continues to intensify.