In a highly anticipated clash at the Brian Lara Stadium, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over the reigning champions, the Jamaica Scorpions, in the Regional Super50 Cup on Wednesday.
The Hurricanes’ left-arm spinner, Daniel Doram, was the star of the match, wreaking havoc with a sensational performance, claiming seven wickets for just 29 runs, marking the third-best figures in the history of the tournament and the second-best by a Leeward Islands bowler.
Opting to field first, the Hurricanes displayed exceptional bowling prowess, bundling out the Scorpions for a mere 123 runs in the 33rd over. Despite the Scorpions’ struggle, West Indies white-ball all-rounder Odean Smith managed to top-score with 26 runs from 30 balls, while Nkrumah Bonner contributed 24 runs from 29 deliveries. However, they were the only two batsmen to surpass the 20-run mark.
In response to the modest target, left-handed opener Kieran Powell delivered a spectacular performance, smashing an unbeaten 80 runs from just 36 balls, including six fours and an equal number of sixes. Powell’s aggressive batting display helped the Hurricanes cruise to victory in just 14 overs. Powell reached his 19th List A half-century in just 24 balls, showcasing five fours and three sixes.
Pacer Alzarri Joseph set the tone with two key early wickets
The Hurricanes’ bowler Alzarri Joseph set the tone for his team by taking two key wickets in the third over, dismissing opener Kirk McKenzie and Test Vice-Captain Jermaine Blackwood. Andre McCarthy contributed 13 runs, partnering with Chadwick Walton (16) and Bonner (24) to stabilize the Scorpions’ innings momentarily.
However, Daniel Doram’s remarkable spell dismantled the Scorpions’ middle order, reducing them to 66 for six in the 17th over. Odean Smith’s late flourish, including two fours and a six, provided some resistance, but Doram had Captain Rovman Powell stumped, triggering the Scorpions’ collapse as they lost their last four wickets for just 21 runs.
Throughout the Hurricanes’ innings, Kieran Powell remained a dominant force. He formed valuable partnerships, including a 29-run opening stand with Kofi James (12), a 27-run partnership with Keacy Carty (4) for the second wicket, and an unbroken 68-run, third-wicket partnership with Karima Gore (19 not out).
