KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Barbados’ batting stuttered but the defending champions still managed to strengthen their grip on their second round TCL Group West Indies three-day Cup match against the Leeward Islands yesterday.
After dismissing the Windwards for 165 in their second innings, they finished the penultimate day at 146 for seven, an overall lead of 240 runs heading into the third and final day at Elletson Road.
When Barbados batted a second time, they were in some trouble at 98 for six but a sixth-wicket partnership of 41 between captain Jason Holder who got 29 and in-form wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich, 32 not out, revived their hopes.
Dowrich has so far struck five fours in just under an hour at the crease and was once again impressive, while Holder hammered four fours, off 49 balls in a knock lasting 93 minutes.
With a first innings lead of 94, Barbados found themselves in early trouble losing the wickets of openers Dario Cummins (5), Anthony Alleyne (21), Roston Chase (22), Maradon Benn (8) and Raymond Reifer (14) in quick time.
Off-spinner Tevin Osbourne has so far captured three for 48 from 14 overs.
Earlier, the Leewards, resuming on 63 for one, were cruising along at 110 for two but with the introduction of left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican and leg-spinner Mario Miller, slumped dramatically from 110 for two to 165 all out, losing their last eight wickets for just 55 runs.
Akeen Saunders, unbeaten on 10 overnight, top-scored with 36 in a vital knock that spanned 97 balls and 113 minutes and contained six fours.
He was assisted by Rakeem Cornwall who got 25 and the two shared an enterprising third-wicket partnership of 36, to garner crucial runs for their side.
Miller, operating from the northern end, finished with four for 36 while Warrican continued to impress with three for 35.
