A scintillating unbeaten half-century from Rahkeem Cornwall proved the difference as Leeward Islands Hurricanes trounced Windward Islands Volcanoes by four wickets, in a dramatic Group A game of the Regional Super50 on Wednesday.
In pursuit of a difficult 294 for victory in the day/night affair at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Hurricanes were in control at 164 for one in the 30th over behind captain Kieran Powell’s brilliant 80, but lost five wickets for 44 runs to collapse to 208 for six in the 39th over.
The burly Cornwall, who celebrated his 24th birthday a week ago, then took control of the run chase for Scorpions, blasting 74 not out off just 50 balls to stun Volcanoes. He belted 10 fours and a six as he added 91 off 63 balls in an unbroken seventh wicket stand with Trinidadian all-rounder Akeal Hosein, whose unbeaten 26 came from 24 balls and was equally crucial.
Volcanoes had appeared to put themselves in the driver’s seat when they piled up 293 for eight off their 50 overs, after opting to bat first. They were propelled by veteran left-hander Smith who broke out of a lean patch to hammer 101 off 103 balls with 13 fours and one six, in notching his seventh List A hundred.
He was joined by Sunil Ambris who carved out a cameo 53 off 36 deliveries with six fours and a six, while Andre Fletcher weighed in with 41.
Meanwhile, Jason Mohammed struck his first half-century of the Regional Super50 as reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force confirmed their spot in the semi-finals with an uncomplicated five-wicket victory over Kent Spitfires.
Playing at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Red Force easily chased down a target of 195 with right-hander Mohammed spearheading the run chase with an unbeaten 78 off 88 deliveries.
He was supported by captain Denesh Ramdin who also notched his first half-century of the tournament with 56. Veteran seamer Darren Stevens was the chief wicket-taker with three for 34.
Sent in earlier, the English County once again struggled and could only muster 194 all out off 46 overs, as the Red Force seamers got stuck into innings. Experienced former West Indies seamer Ravi Rampaul claimed four for 37 while rookie pacer Roshon Primus picked up two for 35. (windiescricket)
