In an intense encounter at the Frank Memorial Ground, Zachary McCaskie’s maiden List A century propelled Barbados Pride to a resounding 48-run victory over Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), further solidifying their position in the hunt for a spot in the Regional Super50 Cup semi-finals.
Barbados Pride posted their highest total of the campaign, amassing 314 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. McCaskie, a right-handed batsman, played a pivotal role with an impressive 131 runs from 116 deliveries. He showcased his prowess with 13 fours and four sixes, reaching his century off just 94 balls in the 32nd over.
Shamarh Brooks contributed 65 runs from 66 balls, including four fours and a couple of sixes, while captain Shai Hope’s quick 32 off 19 balls and opener Kraigg Brathwaite’s 32 runs helped Barbados Pride surpass the 300-run mark.
A challenging target
Facing a challenging target, CCC found themselves struggling at 39 for three in the ninth over. However, captain Shane Dowrich played a counter-attacking innings, scoring 86 off 84 balls. Despite Dowrich’s efforts, CCC couldn’t bridge the gap, finishing at 266 all out in the 46th over.
Jordan Johnson, a teenage left-hander, added a crucial 50 from 45 balls, and Demario Richards contributed 41 runs from 62 balls for CCC.
Barbados Pride’s victory came after their 56-run defeat to Guyana Harpy Eagles the previous Sunday and marked their third win in five matches. In contrast, CCC, who were second in the standings entering the contest, suffered their second defeat in six matches.
CCC faced early setbacks
Zachary McCaskie’s exceptional performance laid the foundation for Barbados Pride’s success, as he dominated partnerships with Brathwaite and Brooks. When McCaskie was dismissed by pacer Chemar Holder, Barbados Pride had already reached 224 for one in the 37th over.
CCC faced early setbacks against left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes (2-31), who claimed the wickets of Kadeem Alleyne and Shatrughan Rambaran. Dowrich, who had already recorded a century in the tournament, led a spirited fight-back with key partnerships with Richards and Johnson.
However, Dowrich’s run-out in the 39th over shifted the momentum, and off-spinner Roston Chase (3-56) made crucial breakthroughs as CCC lost their last six wickets for 48 runs, securing Barbados Pride’s 48-run victory.
