Hurricanes nudge ahead of Harpy Eagles on 15-wicket day at Providence

Fifteen wickets tumbled on an eventful opening day between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Leeward Islands Hurricanes in fifth round action of the West Indies Four-Day Championship at the National Stadium, Providence.

Responding to Harpy Eagles’ first innings score of 122, Hurricanes closed on 133-5, a slim lead of 11, with skipper Jahmar Hamilton on 35*. Opener Kieran Powell made 39.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has taken two wickets thus far, while fast bowler Nial Smith, off-spinner Kevin Sinclair and left-arm spinner Antony Adams has picked up one each.

WATCH: Ball-by-Ball, Day One 

Earlier, Harpy Eagles won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that backfired as they were dismissed for their lowest total this season in skipper Leon Johnson’s final game for the country.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, as the hosts were dismissed in the second session, with off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwell leading the bowling effort with 4-27.

Colin Archibald Jr. and Javier Spencer supported with two wickets each as the Islanders took early control of the contest.

Matthew Nandu topscored with 22, Kevlon Anderson made 16, while Antony Adams, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kevin Sinclair all scored 12 each.

The other batsmen all fell for single-figures scores: Kemol Savory (4), Leon Johnson (8), Tevin Imlach (6), Veerasammy Permaul (2), Shamar Joseph (6) and Nial Smith (0).

With fast bowler Beaton suspended for an illegal bowling action and missing this game, Harpy Eagles suffered another blow before the toss with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie ruled out with a back injury.