Port of Spain, Trinidad – In a performance of sheer brilliance, Javelle Glenn smashed his maiden List A century to lead the Jamaica Scorpions to a commanding 107-run victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the CG United Super50 semi-finals on Thursday.
The scintillating showdown unfolded at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, where the Scorpions surged into the final against Barbados Pride on Saturday.
Glenn’s unbeaten 114 off 96 deliveries, peppered with 10 boundaries and six towering sixes, was the cornerstone of the Scorpions’ tournament-high 352 for nine from their allotted 50 overs. His heroic innings, bolstered by a pair of pivotal partnerships with Jeavor Royal and Gordon Bryan, salvaged the Scorpions from a precarious 138 for seven.
Early collapse, spectacular recovery
The Scorpions’ innings began on steady footing as John Campbell (77) and Kirk McKenzie (48) stitched together a formidable 114-run partnership for the second wicket, cruising at 126 for one in the 21st over. However, a devastating six-wicket collapse for just 12 runs, orchestrated by Hurricanes captain Rahkeem Cornwall (4-67) and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr (3-78), left the Scorpions reeling.
Cornwall and Walsh Jr dismantled the middle order with precision, claiming key wickets, including Campbell, McKenzie, and Jermaine Blackwood. The Hurricanes seemed firmly in control until Glenn and Royal staged a breathtaking counterattack.
Royal, in a fiery knock of 73 from 42 balls, bludgeoned six sixes and six fours, partnering with Glenn for a 124-run stand that revived the innings. Following Royal’s departure at 262 for eight in the 41st over, Glenn found another ally in Bryan (11). The duo added 78 crucial runs in the final eight overs to propel the Scorpions past the 300-run milestone.
Glenn brought up his century in dramatic fashion, steering Oshane Thomas through the onside for a single. Overcome with emotion, he dropped to his knees and looked to the heavens, receiving a standing ovation from his teammates.
Hurricanes falter after promising start
Chasing a daunting target of 353, the Hurricanes showed early promise, powered by Kofi James’ swashbuckling 79 from 64 balls and Jewel Andrew’s brisk 40 from 20 deliveries. Despite their efforts, a flurry of dismissals saw the Hurricanes slip to 177 for six.
A defiant 63-run stand between Jahmar Hamilton (58) and Hayden Walsh Jr (31) briefly reignited hope, keeping the required run rate within reach. However, pacer Marquino Mindley extinguished their comeback in devastating fashion.
Mindley, delivering a spell of precision and power, claimed the final four wickets for just five runs. He clean-bowled Hamilton to end the crucial partnership, removed Walsh Jr, and then dismissed Daniel Doram and Oshane Thomas in quick succession. His final delivery, a searing yorker that sent Thomas’ off-stump flying, sealed the Hurricanes’ fate at 245 all out in just 35.4 overs.
Mindley finished with impressive figures of 4-46 from 8.4 overs, while Royal and Brad Barnes chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Path to glory
Reflecting on the match, the Scorpions showcased resilience and a champion’s mentality, bouncing back from last year’s last-place finish in the Super50 tournament. Glenn’s stunning century and the team’s depth in bowling have set the stage for a thrilling final showdown against Barbados Pride.
