Sherfane Rutherford’s extraordinary performance led the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the CG United Regional Super50 tournament yesterday at the Queen’s Park Oval.
Hurricanes won the toss and batted first, posting 244/6 from their 50 overs a total which proved inadequate as Eagles reached 248 for six from 47.3 overs thanks to Rutherford’s superb, unbeaten innings of 105.
Tevin Imlach and Kemol Savory chipped in with 32 and 26 runs respectively and Kevin Sinclair contributed 12 runs before being stumped off the bowling of Hayden Walsh Jr. (1-33).
With the Eagles in a precarious position of 108-5, needing 137 more runs with only five wickets in hand, Rutherford, the star of the day, arrived at the crease and showcased his brilliance with an unbeaten century, smashing 105 runs off just 71 balls. His fearless innings included eight colossal sixes, the most in a single innings this season, along with seven fours.
The left-hander reached his half-century in only 34 balls, unleashing a fierce assault on the Hurricanes’ bowlers. Rutherford combined forces with Kevlon Anderson, who contributed 32 runs in a vital partnership of 67 for the sixth wicket. The Eagles eventually overhauled their target with 15 balls to spare, securing the much-
needed win.
Rutherford’s century arrived in spectacular fashion, as he smashed a boundary down fine leg and then another through deep extra cover. His unbroken partnership with Romario Shepherd, worth 73 runs, sealed the victory. Shepherd remained unbeaten with 18 runs from 25 balls with a solitary four.
For the Hurricanes, Jahmar Hamilton, batting at number six, top-scored with an unbeaten 54, while Karima Gore made 54 from 72 balls before popping a return catch to Gudakesh Motie, which sent him back in the shed. Walsh Jr., continued to show his skills with the bat, falling one run short of another half-century. His innings featured seven boundaries.
Harpy Eagles’ bowlers did their part, with Veerasammy Permaul and Romario Shepherd taking two wickets each, while Gudakesh Motie and Ronsford Beaton picked up a wicket apiece.
