An inspirational bowling performance towards the end of the innings led the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a victorious start as they triumphed over the Windward Islands Volcanoes by 10 runs in their opening match of the Regional Super50 yesterday.
The showdown unfolded at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, where Volcanoes won the toss and chose to field. Eagles posted a competitive total of 229 for nine in their allotted overs. In response, the Volcanoes managed to score 219 all out in 46 overs.
Skipper of the Eagles side, Veerasammy Permaul said at the half-way point he believed his bowlers could get the job done but credited the lower order for doing the bulk of the heavy lifting. Nevertheless, Permaul said the win does well for the team’s confidence moving forward.
Losing captain, Andre Fletcher praised Alick Athanaze for his batting exploits but felt the match was lost after Romario Shepherd returned to the attack and dismissed Shamar Springer for 21.
The Eagles had a shaky start, losing Chandrapaul Hemraj in the second over for just one run, as he was dismissed leg before wicket by Ryan John. However, Tevin Imlach partnered with Tagenarine Chanderpaul to stabilize the innings, adding 67 runs for the second wicket.
Chanderpaul showed solid technique, contributing 29 runs from 60 balls before falling to a challenging catch by Shermon Lewis off Shadrack Descarte.
Despite losing Kevlon Anderson cheaply, Imlach continued to anchor the innings. He played cautiously, scoring 41 runs from 73 balls with three boundaries before being bowled by John.
Sherfane Rutherford (22), Shimron Hetmyer (21) and Romario Shepherd (14) failed to convert their starts as Eagles dipped to 158 for seven.
However, Kevin Sinclair joined with Gudakesh Motie to put on 50 for the eighth wicket.
Sinclair’s 41 runs from 48 balls, featuring five boundaries included a six, while Motie contributed 29 runs. John was the standout bowler for the Volcanoes, taking 4-60 and Descarte took 2-25.
Volcanoes, in their pursuit of victory, got off to a strong start with Athanaze smashing 11 fours and two sixes on his way to a dynamic 75 off 55 balls. Athanaze, along with Johnson Charles (14), formed a 35-run opening partnership.
While Sunil Ambris (19) and Tevyn Walcott (16) were unable to get going after getting starts, it was Fletcher who looked poised to guide his team to victory with his 13th List A half-century.
His unbeaten 52 runs from 85 balls, featured two boundaries and with 29 runs needed from the final 10 overs, the Volcanoes were well-placed, but positive fielding by Eagles triggered a crucial run out to end the match.
Shepherd ended with 3-35 while Sinclair came back to take 2-42 and earn the player of the match award. Nial Smith bagged 2-43 while spinners, Permaul and Motie took one wicket each.
