PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Demetrius Richards showcased his composure and batting skill with an unbeaten 65 to guide Barbados Pride to a narrow one-wicket win over Guyana Harpy Eagles in a Regional Super50 clash at Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday.
His knock ensured Pride remained unbeaten, claiming their third consecutive victory to solidify their lead in the tournament.
Chasing the Harpy Eagles’ target of 203, the Pride managed to reach 204 with just three balls to spare, ending the game on 204 for nine in 49.3 overs. The victory extended Pride’s lead at the top of the table with 31 points, putting them 10 points ahead of Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, who have a game in hand.
Still winless
The match was a frustrating one for the Harpy Eagles, who, still winless, seemed poised for a breakthrough as they reduced the Pride to 115 for six. Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd proved instrumental in dismantling the Pride’s top order, taking three early wickets, including that of in-form Kevin Wickham for a two-ball duck, pushing the Pride into trouble at 45 for three in just the ninth over.
Veteran spinner Veerasammy Permaul further weakened the Pride’s response, bowling out Leniko Boucher for 29. Contributions from Captain Kyle Mayers (22) and Dominic Drakes (13) provided some relief, but the Pride still faced a mounting challenge with key partnerships unable to stick.
Richards’ calm demeanor under pressure, however, changed the tide for the Pride. Teaming up with Nyeem Young, who scored a well-fought 30, Richards put together a 65-run stand that helped rebuild their innings. Despite Young’s dismissal at a critical moment, Richards continued to navigate the tense final overs, scoring key boundaries and reducing the equation to nine runs needed in the final over.
Crucial runs
The last over saw Richards maintain his cool, picking up crucial runs even as Jomel Warrican was run out. Richards ultimately secured the win by dispatching a no-ball from Keemo Paul to the boundary.
Nedd led Guyana’s bowling efforts with an impressive 3-43 from his 10 overs, supported by Permaul and Sinclair, who both took pivotal wickets. Earlier, Barbados’ bowling unit collectively stifled the Harpy Eagles’ innings, with Javed Leacock taking three wickets and Young, Drakes, and Warrican grabbing two each.
Despite a solid start led by Kevlon Anderson’s 52 and Tevin Imlach’s 35, the Harpy Eagles’ line-up collapsed, losing six wickets for just 68 runs in the later stages.
Richards’ heroics not only clinched a thrilling victory but reinforced the Pride’s dominance as they look to sustain momentum in the Super50 tournament.
