Leeward Islands Under-17 Cricket Team Secures Eight-Wicket Victory Over Guyana

The Leeward Islands Under-17 cricket team showcased a commanding performance against Guyana in a two-day match held on Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21, 2025, as part of a regional under-17 tournament. Their victory, secured by eight wickets, was a testament to their all-round prowess, demonstrating both batting depth and a potent bowling attack. The match unfolded with Guyana taking first strike, but their innings faltered against the disciplined Leeward Islands bowling unit. They were eventually bundled out for a modest 124 runs, a score that highlighted their struggles against the consistent pressure applied by the opposition.

The cornerstone of the Leeward Islands’ bowling success was Jathan Edward, whose skillful spell yielded four wickets for a mere 35 runs. Edward’s ability to extract movement and generate consistent pressure on the Guyanese batsmen proved pivotal in restricting their scoring opportunities. While Mohabir offered some resistance with a top score of 32, the overall batting display from Guyana lacked the solidity and partnerships required to build a substantial total. The frequent fall of wickets hampered their progress, preventing them from capitalizing on any promising starts and leaving them vulnerable to a relatively low first-innings score.

In response, the Leeward Islands constructed a more substantial innings, reaching 154 runs before declaring. Lawshorn Bergan anchored the Leeward Islands’ response with an unbeaten 38, showcasing composure and resilience against the Guyanese bowlers. While Ram and Baksh bagged three wickets apiece for Guyana, their efforts were ultimately insufficient to prevent the Leeward Islands from establishing a valuable first-innings lead of 30 runs. This lead proved to be a crucial advantage, giving the Leewards a psychological edge going into Guyana’s second innings.

Guyana’s second innings mirrored their first, characterized by a lack of substantial partnerships and a consistent loss of wickets. Despite contributions from Hetmyer (28) and Apple (25), they were again unable to compile a commanding total, managing only 129 runs. The Leeward Islands bowlers maintained their relentless pressure, with Challenger and Edward again proving effective, each capturing three wickets. This disciplined bowling performance set the Leeward Islands a manageable target of 100 runs for victory, further solidifying their advantageous position in the match.

The Leeward Islands’ chase of the modest target of 100 runs proved a comfortable affair. Tanez Francis played a dominant innings, smashing a quickfire 64, effectively sealing the victory for his team. His aggressive stroke play ensured a swift and decisive victory, with the Leewards reaching their target of 100 runs for the loss of only two wickets. This emphatic chase underlined the Leeward Islands’ batting strength and their ability to capitalize on a favorable situation. The eight-wicket victory underscored their overall dominance in the match.

The Leeward Islands’ resounding victory showcased their all-round capabilities. Their bowlers effectively restricted Guyana’s scoring in both innings, while their batsmen produced the necessary runs under pressure. Jathan Edward’s impressive bowling figures, alongside significant contributions from Challenger, Bergan, and Francis, highlight the team’s depth and talent. This win positions the Leeward Islands favorably in the regional tournament, demonstrating their potential as strong contenders for the title. The convincing nature of their victory sends a clear message to other competing teams about their strength and determination. The team’s performance reflects not only individual skill but also a strong team ethic and strategic awareness, setting the stage for a potentially successful campaign in the ongoing tournament.