Barbados Pride seized control of the opening day of the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championship against Guyana Harpy Eagles at the National Stadium, Providence.
They reached a commanding 346 all out from 84.3 overs, thanks to half-centuries from debutant Matthew Forde, Jonathan Drakes, and Zachary McCaskie.
Forde, a West Indies white-ball player, impressed on his first-class debut with a composed 82, blending solid defence with aggressive shots.
His seventh-wicket partnership with Chaim Holder (35) proved crucial, rescuing the Pride from 182-5 after a flurry of wickets.
McCaskie had earlier set the tone with a fluent 64, striking seven fours and two sixes, before falling to Ronaldo Alimohamed.
Drakes also contributed a valuable 70, before being dismissed by Richie Looknauth.
Looknauth was the pick of the Guyana bowlers, taking 4-69. Alimohamed and Veerasammy Permaul chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Despite some bright moments from the Guyanese attack, Barbados’s batting depth proved decisive.
At stumps on day one, Barbados held a strong position, leaving Guyana with a challenging response.
FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/871da8d4-04cd-45c0-9caf-02297ea34865/scorecard