In a commanding display, Leeward Islands Hurricanes outclassed the defending champions, Jamaica Scorpions, securing an emphatic eight-wicket triumph at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in the CG United Regional Super50 competition yesterday.
Winning the toss, the Hurricanes decided to field first and the Scorpions found themselves struggling early on before eventually posting a meagre 123 runs in 32.5 overs. Hurricanes efficiently chased down the target, reaching 124 for the loss of only two wickets in a mere 14 overs.
In the Hurricanes’ pursuit of victory, Kieran Powell played a pivotal role with a boundary-filled 80 not out from 36 balls. The left-hander stroked 12 boundaries, an equal number of sixes and fours as he raced to 19th List A half century from just 25 balls.
Powell added 56 for the first wicket with Kofi James (12) but lost him and Keacy Carty in quick succession. That did not slow the chase as Karima Gore joined Powell and made 19 not out from 21 balls to eventually see his side over the line.
Earlier when Scorpions batted, the standout performance with the ball for Hurricanes came from Daniel Doram, who delivered his best bowling figures, claiming seven wickets for 29 runs in 9.5 overs.
Scorpions initially started with a boundary from Chadwick Walton off Alzarri Joseph.
However, Joseph got his revenge with a double-wicket maiden in his following over, dismissing Kirk McKenzie and Jermaine Blackwood, paving the way for Doram’s impressive display and ending with 2-24.
Doram continued to work his way through the Scorpions line up with the wickets of Andre McCarthy, who was trapped leg before wicket after scoring 13 runs off 33 balls along with Nkrumah Bonner (24) and Fabien Allen (2).
Rovman Powell, the Scorpions’ captain, tried to salvage his team’s batting performance, but strayed out of his crease and was eventually stumped for 13.
Doram’s exceptional spell of bowling continued when he dismissed Odean Smith, who had been cut for four but was caught by Keacy Carty for 26.
