As the nation of Antigua and Barbuda celebrated its 41st independence anniversary, The Leewards Hurricanes gave the huge crowd on Tuesday, even more, to celebrate.
The Leewards Hurricanes engaged the Jamaica Scorpions in their second match of the 2022 Super 50 cup tournament.
Leewards batting first, got off to a good start complements of Ross Powell and Devon Thomas, who took them to 61 for no loss, before Ross Powell was bowled by Merchant.
However, Odean Smith produced a remarkable spell and suddenly the Hurricanes were precariously placed at 76 for 5 and the Scorpions were cock-a-hoop.
Enter Rahkeem Cornwall.
The big Antiguan started cautiously and then blazed the bowling to all parts of the Sir Vivian Richards stadium. He hit 7 fours and 5 maximums before he was bowled by Mindley for 81.
Some good knocks at the tail end, took the Hurricanes to a competitive 270 for 9, in the allotted fifty overs.
The Jamaicans’ started well, led by Brandon King, but after he was dismissed off the bowling of Colin Archibald, the batting generally struggled.
Kofi James bowled a superb spell to bag 4 for 32 and he was supported by all of the other bowlers.
In the end, the Jamaicans succumbed at 202 for 9, when the fifty overs were completed
Summarized scores: Leewards Hurricanes 270 for 9 in 50 overs: Rahkeem Cornwall 81; Devon Thomas 38; Terrance Warde 32; Hayden Walsh 31; Ross Powell 27; Kofi James 25*
Odean Smith 4 for 46; Marquino Mindley 2 for 62
Jamaica Scorpions: 202 for 9 in 50 overs: Nkrumah Bonner 44; Brandon King 32; Jermaine Blackwood 31; Nicholson Gordon 24*; Rovman Powell 24
Kofi James 4 for 32; Karima Gore 2 for 29
Leewards Hurricanes won by 68 runs
In another match played on that same day, Barbados defeated the west Indies Academy team.
West Indies Academy 213 all out in 46.1 overs
Barbados 214 for 4 in 44.1 overs