In an exciting Super50 Cup encounter, Sherfane Rutherford’s magnificent maiden List A century propelled the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Monday.
Rutherford, primarily known for his prowess in the shortest format, played a stellar role, scoring an unbeaten 105 runs from just 71 balls. His remarkable innings enabled the Harpy Eagles to successfully chase down a target of 245 with 15 balls to spare at Queen’s Park Oval, securing their second win in three outings.
Rutherford joined the crease with the Harpy Eagles struggling at 108 for five in the 28th over and proceeded to completely change the course of the match. His onslaught included seven fours and eight sixes. He formed vital partnerships, contributing to a 67-run stand with Kevlon Anderson (32) and a match-winning unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 73 runs with all-rounder Romario Shepherd (18 not out).
Rutherford reaches 50 off 34 balls
During his innings, Rutherford reached his fifty off just 34 balls in the 37th over by dispatching pacer Justin Greaves to the backward point boundary. He then needed another 35 balls to reach the coveted century, which he achieved by clipping the same bowler to the long leg boundary at the start of the 48th over. With that boundary, he not only reached the century but also leveled the scores in the game. Two balls later, he celebrated by hitting the winning runs, lifting a full toss to the extra cover boundary.
In the first innings, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes managed to post a total of 244 for six off their 50 overs. Karima Gore and Jahmar Hamilton both top-scored with 54 runs. Hayden Walsh contributed 49 runs, and Keacy Carty chipped in with 29 runs.
The Hurricanes faced early setbacks, with Kieran Powell falling for four runs. However, Gore and Hamilton combined to steady the innings, with Gore’s 72-ball innings featuring three fours and one six. Walsh added impetus with his 56-ball 49, including seven fours.
Three wickets fall for seven runs
In reply, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fell early for just one run, but Anthony Bramble and Kemol Savory stabilized the innings with a partnership of 49 runs. Bramble scored 28, and Savory contributed 28 runs. However, the innings witnessed a cluster of wickets, with three falling for just seven runs.
With the score at 77 for four in the 19th over, Kevlon Anderson joined forces with Kevin Sinclair (12), and the pair added 31 runs for the fifth wicket before Sherfane Rutherford unleashed his exceptional batting prowess, guiding the Guyana Harpy Eagles to an unforgettable victory.
