WICB Four-Day Tournament: Round Seven, Day Two Update

The West Indies Championship, a premier first-class cricket competition in the Caribbean, witnessed a flurry of exciting matches in its fourth round, culminating on April 11, 2025. The matches showcased a mix of dominant performances, nail-biting finishes, and individual brilliance, painting a vibrant picture of the competitive landscape of West Indies cricket. One encounter saw a comprehensive victory, another witnessed a team building a substantial lead, while the remaining two games remained delicately poised with significant leads established by one of the competing teams.

The West Indies Academy orchestrated a resounding 10-wicket victory over the Windward Islands, showcasing the depth of young talent within the Caribbean. The Windwards, struggling against a disciplined bowling attack, were bundled out for a meager 106 in their first innings. The Academy responded with a dominant batting display, posting 253 runs, powered by Teddy Bishop’s half-century (56) and a valuable contribution of 45 from Carlon Bowen-Tuckett. Dember’s impressive 6-wicket haul for 45 runs was the highlight of the Windwards’ bowling effort. In their second innings, the Windwards fared marginally better, reaching 181, with Athanaze top-scoring with 41. However, Layne’s devastating spell of 6 wickets for just 30 runs sealed their fate, allowing the Academy to chase down the paltry target without losing a wicket.

Jamaica and the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) engaged in a closely contested match, with Jamaica holding a slender 12-run lead at the end of day three. CCC, after being dismissed for 133 in their first innings, courtesy of Shaqkere Parris’s remarkable 112 and Mansingh’s 5-wicket haul, bounced back strongly with the ball. They restricted Jamaica to 206 for 5 in their second innings, thanks primarily to Edward’s 3 wickets for 47 runs. Javelle Glenn’s 86 for Jamaica was crucial in building their lead, but the match remained evenly poised with five wickets still in hand.

The clash between Trinbago and Guyana saw another thrilling encounter, with Guyana edging ahead with a 29-run lead. Trinbago, opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 240, with half-centuries from Goolie (58) and Cooper (50). Nial Smith’s 4 wickets for 49 runs kept Guyana in the game. Guyana, in response, built a slender lead, reaching 269 for 5, driven by Perez’s impressive 82. Pierre’s 3 for 61 provided Trinbago with some breakthroughs, setting the stage for an exciting final day.

The final match of the round witnessed the Leeward Islands dominating proceedings against Barbados, accumulating a massive 291-run lead after declaring their first innings. Justin Greaves’s unbeaten century (124*) propelled the Leewards to a formidable total of 444 for 9 declared. Warrican, despite taking 7 wickets for 111 runs, couldn’t prevent the Leewards from amassing a substantial total. Barbados, in reply, struggled to keep pace, reaching 153 for 5 at the close of play. Wickham’s unbeaten 55 provided some resistance, but Barbados faced a daunting task to avoid an innings defeat. Thomas and Greaves picked up two wickets each for the Leewards.

These matches underscored the competitive spirit and talent on display in the West Indies Championship. While some teams asserted their dominance, others fought hard to stay in contention. The individual performances, including centuries, five-wicket hauls, and crucial contributions with both bat and ball, added to the excitement of the tournament. With the matches heading into their final day, the stage was set for thrilling finishes and potentially significant shifts in the points table. The blend of youthful exuberance and experienced campaigners provided a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts across the Caribbean and beyond.

The performances also provided valuable insights into the future of West Indies cricket. Young players like Teddy Bishop, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, Dember, and Layne showcased their potential, while established players like Shaqkere Parris, Mansingh, Goolie, Cooper, Nial Smith, Perez, Pierre, Justin Greaves, Warrican, Wickham, and Thomas continued to contribute significantly. The championship served as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing talent, strengthening the future of West Indies cricket on the international stage. The fourth round, with its captivating encounters and individual brilliance, reaffirmed the significance of the West Indies Championship in shaping the future of the game in the region.