– Advertisement –
By Samuel Peters
Left-arm fast bowler Nathan Edward delivered a career-defining performance, claiming five wickets to set up a comfortable eight-wicket victory for the Leeward Islands Thunder over Barbados Pelicans in the West Indies Breakout League at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Wednesday night.
Edward’s devastating spell of 5-27 dismantled the Pelicans’ batting lineup, restricting them to 127 all out in 19.5 overs. The Thunder then chased down the target with 21 balls to spare, finishing at 129-2 in just 16.3 overs to secure their second consecutive win in the tournament.
Edward wasted no time making an impact, removing Shian Brathwaite lbw for a duck in the first over. He followed up by dismissing Kadeem Alleyne (10), Nathan Sealy (0), and Shaqkere Parris (5) in quick succession, leaving the Pelicans reeling at 27-4 inside the powerplay.
Wicketkeeper Leniko Boucher provided the only significant resistance for Barbados, crafting a patient 48 off 51 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes. Joshua Bishop contributed a brisk 24 off 16 deliveries, but both fell victim to the disciplined Thunder bowling attack.
Spinners Anderson Mahase (1-14) and Micah McKenzie (1-17) maintained the pressure through the middle overs with economical spells, while Cameron Pennyfeather (2-18) cleaned up the tail, including dismissing Bishop and Junior Sinclair in successive deliveries in the final over.
Sion Hackett provided some late fireworks for the Pelicans with his quickfire 13 off just five balls, including two towering sixes, before being run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Thunder wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew.
The Thunder’s chase was methodical and composed, with Kofi James and Jamie Cornelius laying a solid foundation at the top of the order with a 47-run opening partnership. Cornelius contributed a brisk 18 off 16 balls with three boundaries before falling to Nathan Sealy, while James continued his good form from the previous match with an impressive 35 off 31 deliveries, including six boundaries.
Mikyle Louis (25 not out) and wicketkeeper Andrew (36 not out) then combined for an unbroken 53-run partnership to guide their team home. Andrew was particularly aggressive, striking seven boundaries in his 25-ball innings at a strike rate of 144.
With this victory, the Leeward Islands Thunder have established themselves as early frontrunners in the tournament with two wins from two matches, following their previous victory over Jamaica Titans. They will look to maintain their perfect record when they take on Trinidad and Tobago Legions on May 2nd.
About The Author
– Advertisement –
