The Windward Islands Volcanoes kicked off their CG United Super 50 Cup campaign with a thrilling two-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes on November 19 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. The match showcased stellar performances from several Saint Lucian players, who played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Volcanoes’ captain Teddy Bishop won the toss and opted to field first. The Leewards’ opening batsmen, Mikyle Louis and Kofi James, set a strong foundation, racing to triple figures within the first 13 overs. James, in particular, dominated the early stages, scoring 19 runs off Saint Lucian pacer Keon Gaston in the third over. However, Darron Nedd broke the partnership in the 16th over, dismissing Louis for 59, caught by Shadrack Descarte.
James continued his aggressive batting, forming an 81-run partnership with Carlton Bowen-Tuckett in just ten overs. He reached 103 before falling to Kenneth Dember, caught once again by Descarte. Despite a brief slowdown, the Leewards maintained momentum, with Jewel Andrew and Rahkeem Cornwall contributing to a total of 324 runs in 47.3 overs. Nedd and Descarte were the standout bowlers for the Windwards, taking three wickets each.
The Windwards’ chase began poorly, with Johann Jeremiah dismissed for a duck. However, Stephan Pascal and Bishop steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership. After a flurry of wickets, Nedd and Dillon Douglas took control, adding 108 runs together. Nedd’s explosive 94 off 56 balls and Douglas’ 61 off 46 were instrumental in the chase. Contributions from Gaston and McKenny Clarke, who hit two sixes in his 22 off 12 balls, sealed the victory as the Windwards reached 325-8 in 43.5 overs.
The Windwards will next face the Guyana Harpy Eagles on November 21 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine.