By Avenash Ramzan
Leeward Islands Hurricanes created history on Monday by recording the highest-ever fourth innings run-chase in regional cricket by beating Guyana Jaguars by four wickets in round two action of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Digicel Four-day competition at Warner Park.
Chasing a mammoth 369, Hurricanes, resuming on 47-0, pulled off the victory at 372-6 in 111.3 overs. In the process, they ended the Jaguars 19-match unbeaten streak, which started in the 2014-15 season after they lost to Barbados Pride by two runs at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Final scores in the match: Guyana Jaguars 293 and 233-8 declared; Leeward Islands Hurricanes 158 and 372-6.
The feat by the Hurricanes batsmen eclipsed the previous record run-chase that was held by the Windward Islands, who made 371-8 chasing 368 against Trinidad and Tobago at the Queen’s Park Oval in 1983. The records take into account all regional cricket played in the modern era (1966 onwards).
The record run-chase was led by opener Montcin Hodge, who notched up his second First-Class hundred, a solid 114. His innings spanned 287 balls and included 10 fours and six.
Nkrumah Bonner made a stroke-filled 82 off just 112 balls, inclusive of three fours and two sixes, while opener Kieran Powell weighed in with 54 (113 balls, 5x4s, 1×6), Jahmar Hamilton 49 not out (43 balls, 3x4s, 1×6) and Jeremiah Louis 26 not out (40 balls, 2x4s, 1×6).
Bowling for Guyana Jaguars, left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul bagged 4-109 off 40 overs.
