Ireland Academy secured a 26-run victory over West Indies Academy in the opening game of their three-match series, thanks to an outstanding unbeaten century by Test batsman Murray Commins and impressive bowling performances from Scott MacBeth and Gavin Hoey.
Commins, aged 26, who had recently featured in two Test matches, played a pivotal role by carrying his bat for an unbeaten 118 off 129 deliveries. Ireland Academy chose to bat first at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and posted a total of 245 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 49.1 overs.
West Indies Academy, in their pursuit of the target, looked promising as opener Matthew Nandu contributed 59 runs off 99 deliveries, while Kadeem Alleyne added 42 runs off 30 balls, and Leonardo Julien scored 28 runs. However, the duo of Scott MacBeth (3-33) and Gavin Hoey (3-43), both in their early twenties, claimed three wickets each, causing a middle-order collapse for West Indies Academy, which eventually ended their innings at 219 all out in the 42nd over.
Face off again Sunday
The two teams are set to face off again Sunday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.
In the initial stages of the match, Ireland Academy found themselves in trouble at 37 for four in the 11th over, with left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop (4-45) and fast bowler Johann Layne (2-52) wreaking havoc. However, Gavin Hoey contributed 25 runs from 31 balls before falling. Bishop and off-spinner Kevin Wickham (2-51) made vital breakthroughs, leaving Ireland Academy struggling at 123 for eight in the 30th over.
Murray Commins, who struck 14 fours and a six in his century, anchored a crucial 103-run partnership for the ninth wicket alongside Tom Mayes. Mayes provided valuable support with a rapid 46-ball 51, which included two fours and three sixes, helping Ireland Academy rally towards the end of their innings.
A collapse for West Indies Academy
Facing a seemingly straightforward run chase, West Indies Academy started strongly with opener Matthew Nandu hitting three fours, forming a 58-run partnership for the first wicket with Kadeem Alleyne, who contributed with two fours and three sixes. However, Alleyne’s dismissal marked a turning point in the match.
Leonardo Julien’s wicket in the 21st over, where he was stumped off Scott MacBeth’s delivery, triggered a collapse for West Indies Academy, losing five wickets for just 35 runs. Nandu and Junior Sinclair (28) managed to revive their side’s fortunes with a 56-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Still, once the partnership was broken, the hosts lost their last four wickets for just 11 runs, resulting in a 26-run defeat.
