CWI Regional 4-Day Championship
By Michaelangelo Jacobus
A brilliant century from Kevlon Anderson and a stunning second-innings five-wicket haul from debutant offspinner Richie Looknauth powered the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a commanding third day 10-wicket victory over Barbados Pride yesterday in their opening match of the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championship at the Providence National Stadium.
Resuming their first innings on 315/3, Anderson (87*) and stand-in captain Kemol Savory (95*) looked poised for big scores. Anderson took time reaching his third first-class century, getting to the milestone in 29 deliveries. However, he would fall just two balls later, part of a collapse that saw the Harpy Eagles lose six wickets in just over an hour.
Earlier, before Anderson got to his milestone, Savory was heartbreakingly dismissed for 99, agonizingly short of a century. His dismissal signaled the beginning of the end as the innings wrapped up prematurely at 382/9 in 101.5 overs in response to Barbados’ first innings total of 346.
Injured pacer Isai Thorne could not bat, leaving Guyana with a 36-run lead.
Barbados’ Matthew Forde was the standout bowler, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/69 in 19.5 overs). He was supported by Jair McAllister (2/68), while Javed Leacock and Chaim Holder picked up one wicket each.
Despite the narrow first-innings deficit, Barbados Pride faltered under relentless pressure from Guyana’s bowlers, collapsing for just 112 in 41.4 overs. Looknauth, utilizing his knowledge of the Providence pitch, was simply unplayable. The off-spinner claimed 5/23 in 11.4 overs, tearing through the middle order and finishing with match figures of 9/92 from 28.4 overs.
He took out key batter Jonathan Drakes (26), who had tried to stabilize the innings, along with Kevin Wickham (22), Demetrius Richards (2), and the dangerous Matthew Forde for a duck. His final wicket, Jair McAllister (6) who was bowled, sealed Barbados’ fate.
The fall of wickets painted a grim picture for the visitors, openers Zachary McCaskie (1) and Leniko Boucher (5) fell inside the first three overs, leaving Barbados reeling at 7/2.
Jonathan Drakes and Kevin Wickham briefly steadied the innings before Drakes departed at 49/3. Wickham continued his patient innings along with a willing partner with skipper Raymon Reifer (37 from 89 balls) until Wickham’s departure left Barbados 94/4. From there, their batting crumbled to 112 all out, as Looknauth and company ran riot.
Veteran spinner Veerasammy Permaul (1/19 in 13 overs), Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed (2/36 in 9 overs), and Nial Smith (1/33 in 8 overs) provided solid support.
Needing just 77 for victory, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Matthew Nandu ensured there were no hiccups. Playing cautiously but confidently, Chanderpaul finished unbeaten on 40 off 93 balls (5x4s), while Nandu remained on 33 off 75 balls (3x4s). The duo guided Guyana to 78 without loss in 28 overs, sealing a dominant 10-wicket win.
The Harpy Eagles will next face Combined Campuses and Colleges next Wednesday (February 5) at Providence. With Guyana’s quartet of West Indies stars Tevin Imlach, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, and Kevin Sinclair likely to be available for that match, Guyana will be looking to build on their strong start and continue their title defence in the tournament.
