West Indies Academy recovered from 135 for 7 in the 32nd over to reach 263 all out form their 50 overs then bowled out Guyana Harpy Eagles for 171 to convincingly win by 92 runs in their latest match in this year’s CG United Super50 in Trinidad and Tobago.
After winning the toss, WI Academy found themselves in early trouble losing opener Kimani Melius and Leonardo Julien in the first over of the match which was bowled by off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (2/36). The Harpy Eagles relied heavily on spin with Gudakesh Motie (2/39) opening the bowling with Sinclair while captain Veerasammy Permaul (2/38), Chandrapaul Hemraj (1/27) and Kevlon Anderson (0/21) were also used in spin-friendly conditions at the University of West Indies St Augustine Campus ground.
At 135 for 7 in the 32nd over, WI Academy seemed down and out but Matthew Forde joined his captain, Nyeem Young and they consolidated to put on 59 runs for the eighth wicket relatively trouble-free since the spin threat was over and Permaul was forced to recall Shamar Joseph (2/59) and later introduce Quentin Sampson (0/42). Joseph eventually broke the partnership which ended at 194 for 8 when Young was bowled by a quick and full delivery in the 43rd over.
However, Joseph (7 overs) and Sampson (4 overs) both playing in just their second match at this level could not get their radars right and were taken to the cleaners by Forde and new batsman Joshua Bishop. The 10th wicket partnership was worth 49 runs in quick time with Bishop hammering a career best 37 (23b; 2x4s; 3x6s) while Forde notched up his maiden List A half century before he was dismissed for 52 (55b; 4x4s; 2x6s). Earlier, talented stroke maker Teddy Bishop made 48 batting at number 4 when the Harpy Eagles spinners were in full flight.
The run chase got off to a flying start but after Hemraj was dismissed for 16 it was a steady procession of batters to and from the middle. Kevin Sinclair top scored with 46 batting at number 6 while Permaul chipped in with 32 at number 10. It was another poor batting display by the Harpy Eagles to suffer their 2nd defeat in their 6th match. Leg-spinner Ackeem Auguste (9-1-47-4) was the chief wrecker with the ball while eventual Player of the Match Young with 3/18 from just 4 overs offered great support.
The win took WI Academy to 31 points to secure the 4th position while the Harpy Eagles slipped to the 6th spot with 25 points. Both sides have one match in hand. WI Academy take on the Volcanoes on Friday at St Augustine while the Harpy Eagles battle the Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in a day/night fixture on Saturday.
Home side, Red Force, are unbeaten to date and are leading the points table with 37 points followed by Pride on 36 and Hurricanes on 35. In 5th position is CCC on 27 points, 7th spot is occupied by the Volcanoes on 17 points while the defending champions Scorpions are in the cellar spot with just 5 points.
The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals.