PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A lethal spin attack led by Rahkeem Cornwall and Hayden Walsh Jr. dismantled the Windward Islands Volcanoes’ batting line-up, powering the Leeward Islands Hurricanes to an 84-run victory and top spot on the Regional Super50 table.
Skipper Cornwall and Walsh Jr. shared all 10 wickets, igniting a spectacular collapse that saw the Volcanoes lose eight wickets for a mere 22 runs.
Set a target of 181 after the Hurricanes were bowled out for 180 in 48.4 overs, the Volcanoes began their chase in promising form, reaching 74-2 by the 11th over. Cornwall had already made early inroads, claiming the wickets of Shadrack Descarte (10) and Kavem Hodge (13), but the Volcanoes appeared steady with Alick Athanaze and Sunil Ambris at the crease. However, Walsh Jr. bowled Ambris for 11, and Cornwall dismissed Athanaze for a top score of 36 soon after, triggering an astonishing batting collapse.
Cornwall’s rampage
Cornwall continued his rampage, removing Johnnel Eugene and Dillon Douglas for ducks in the same over, bringing the Volcanoes down to 76-6. Cornwall finished with stunning figures of 6-26 from nine overs, while Walsh Jr. claimed 4-20 from six overs, wrapping up the tail and ending the Volcanoes’ innings at 96 runs from just 21 overs.
Earlier, Jahmar Hamilton was the savior for the Hurricanes’ batting side, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 96 after the team had faltered to 68-6. Hamilton, who faced 128 balls and hit five fours and two sixes, partnered with Walsh Jr. (12) for a crucial 47-run stand and later added valuable runs with Jeremiah Louis and Daniel Dooram to lift the team to a respectable total. Kavem Hodge led the Volcanoes’ bowling with 4-26, while Darel Cyrus chipped in with 2-33.
With this win, the Hurricanes now lead the standings with 38 points from five games, edging ahead of Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, who sit at 37 points from four matches. Meanwhile, the Volcanoes’ struggles continue, remaining near the bottom of the table with three losses from four games.
