In St. Augustine at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, the Jamaica Scorpions secured their first win of the Regional Super50 with a decisive 80-run victory over the West Indies Academy, who remain winless after two matches.
Despite Kirk McKenzie falling short of a century, his 90 off 92 balls proved essential in leading the Scorpions to 250 all out in 48.1 overs.
After rain delays led to a revised target of 236 in 43 overs for the Academy, they could only muster 155 from 28 overs, succumbing to their second defeat in a row. The Scorpions, recovering from an opening loss to Barbados Pride, were bolstered by a 93-run stand between McKenzie and opener John Campbell following Odain McCatty’s first-ball dismissal. Campbell contributed a brisk 39 from 32 balls before being caught and bowled by Joshua Bishop.
Blackwood’s steady hand
Jermaine Blackwood’s steady hand added to McKenzie’s efforts as the two pushed Jamaica to 173 for two by the 30th over. However, a late collapse saw the Scorpions lose eight wickets for 77 runs, largely due to Jediah Blades’ 4-46 and Joshua Bishop’s 3-35.
The West Indies Academy stumbled from the start, losing both openers, Justin Jagessar and Ackeem Auguste, for ducks. A solid 83-run partnership between Teddy Bishop, who top-scored with 61, and Rivaldo Clarke (35) offered some stability, but Clarke’s dismissal by Brad Barnes triggered a rapid loss of wickets.
Marquino Mindley (3-6), Barnes (3-22), and Jeavor Royal (3-44) delivered critical breakthroughs, sealing the Scorpions’ commanding win.
