The Leeward Islands Hurricanes delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Barbados Pride by 155 runs in a one-sided semi-final match here on Thursday. This victory secured their place in Saturday’s final of the Super50 Cup.
Opting to bat first at the Brian Lara Stadium, the Hurricanes were powered by robust half-centuries from Jahmar Hamilton (76), Justin Greaves (63), and Hayden Walsh Jr (57). They managed to set a challenging target of 290 all out in the final over. However, the Pride had their moments as off-spinner Kemar Smith’s five-wicket haul had the Hurricanes struggling at 179 for six in the 38th over.
Hamilton and Hayden Walsh Jr. then combined brilliantly to add 101 runs for the seventh wicket, helping the Hurricanes amass a tournament-record 104 runs from the last 10 overs.
Chasing a target of nearly six runs per over to reach their first Super50 Cup final in five years, the Barbados Pride team was rattled by a fiery opening spell from Hurricanes’ captain Alzarri Joseph. Joseph claimed three wickets for just 30 runs in a hostile five-over burst, leaving the Pride reeling at 34 for three in the seventh over.
Lower order crumble under pressure
Off-spinner Kofi James (2-33) further dented the Pride’s chances, and the lower order crumbled under the pressure exerted by left-arm spinner Daniel Doram (3-33) and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr. (2-13). Pride was eventually bowled out for 135 runs in the 31st over, with Roston Chase being the top scorer with 35 runs.
Pride captain Shai Hope acknowledged, “We didn’t play our best cricket, and that’s why we are in this position. We didn’t hit our straps, we didn’t execute the way we wanted to. We didn’t play the best cricket we could’ve played, and, obviously, the better team won on the day.”
This victory marked the Hurricanes’ 14th Super50 Cup final appearance, setting up their first-ever championship match against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, who convincingly defeated the Guyana Harpy Eagles in the opening semi-final a day earlier.
Despite their strong batting performance, Hurricanes’ captain Alzarri Joseph remained focused on the ultimate goal, stating, “It [feels] really good, but the job is not done yet. We still have one more game to play.”
Hurricanes make solid start
The Hurricanes had a solid start to their innings, thanks to Justin Greaves’ in-form performance. Greaves, who scored a composed 76-ball 76, formed crucial partnerships with Kieran Powell (28) and Keacy Carty (32) to lay a strong foundation for the team. However, Kemar Smith’s five-wicket haul caused some trouble for the Hurricanes, reducing them to 133 for four at the start of the 30th over.
Jahmar Hamilton then played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. He partnered with Rahkeem Cornwall (16) and later combined with Hayden Walsh Jr. in a crucial century stand. Hamilton’s explosive 61-ball 76 included six fours and four sixes before he was dismissed in the penultimate over. Walsh contributed with a quick 45-ball 57, including one four and five sixes.
Reflecting on his team’s batting effort, Alzarri Joseph commented, “For me, I think everyone played their role. Everyone did what they needed to do, and that’s what we needed from everyone today.”
In response, the Barbados Pride’s run chase never gained momentum, with Joseph playing a leading role in crippling their innings. He made an impressive start by dismissing Kyle Mayers (4) with a yorker in the second ball of the innings and later had Shai Hope (19) caught at first slip. Joseph also received a fortunate decision for caught behind against Zachary McCaskie (6) in his early overs, further denting the Pride’s hopes.
