BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Jonathan Carter’s half-century proved the difference as Barbados Pride thwarted a Leeward Islands Hurricanes fightback, to post a four-wicket win on the final day of their first round contest.
Stumbling on 128 for six in search of a tricky 195 at Kensington Oval here yesterday, Pride were pulled around by the left-handed Carter who stroked an unbeaten 71 – his 25th fifty at first class level.
More importantly, he added 67 with Keon Harding (23 not out) in an unbroken seventh wicket partnership to repel the Hurricanes bid as Pride got over the line late in the final session.
Left-hander Raymon Reifer hit 45 and captain Kraigg Brathwaite got 29 while seamer Jeremiah Louis led the Hurricanes attack with four for 59.
The visitors had earlier rallied to 346 all out after resuming from their overnight 294 for seven, captain Jahmar Hamilton adding seven to his overnight 40 and Louis weighing in with the bat with 44 off 99 deliveries with half-dozen fours.
Debutant 20-year-old seamer Ramon Simmonds picked up four for 65 while off-spinner Brathwaite (2-7) and quick bowler Harding (2-69) supported with two wickets apiece.
Pride stumbled early in their run chase when left-hander Shayne Moseley (3) was caught at second slip by Kieran Powell moving in front of first slip, off Louis in the third over with six runs on the board. Reifer arrived to punch five fours in a 73-ball knock which rebuilt the innings, first anchoring a 58-run, second wicket stand with Brathwaite and then a 36-run, third wicket stand with Carter.
The 34-year-old Carter, who struck five fours and two sixes off 131 balls in three hours at the crease, then watched as Pride lost four wickets for 28 runs to concede the advantage.
Dropped on 53, Carter made Hurricanes pay dearly for the missed opportunity, as he combined with Harding to earn Pride the points.
