On the opening day of the regional first-class match, Jamaica Scorpions struggled against Guyana Harpy Eagles, who finished at 260-5 thanks to Kevlon Anderson’s century. Odean Smith took three wickets, expressing the Scorpions’ belief in recovering. Despite challenges with the pitch’s performance, both teams demonstrate strengths that could impact the match’s outcome.
In the regional first-class match at Sabina Park, Jamaica Scorpions remain optimistic despite a challenging start against Guyana Harpy Eagles. Odean Smith noted that the Scorpions are close to regaining control after the Harpy Eagles finished the opening day at 260-5, led by Kevlon Anderson’s century. Smith concluded the day with figures of 3-46, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to secure the remaining five wickets.
Smith commented, “I think we came back well in the last session. The guys put in a good fight, so we just have to come back and get these five remaining wickets.” He found the pitch’s performance surprising, saying it was too flat and lacked the expected bounce, although it did seam during the last session.
Kevlon Anderson, who scored a century, had to retire hurt after injuring his ankle in the final session. Despite this setback, he expressed optimism about his ability to bat if needed on Thursday. “This is a case of hard work paying off. The pitch had more bounce and pace…,” he remarked regarding his successful adaptation to the playing surface.
The Harpy Eagles made a strategic choice to bat first under sunny conditions on a grass-covered pitch, resulting in a strong performance on the first day. Opening batsmen Matthew Nandu and Tagenarine Chanderpaul navigated the early overs effectively, though Chanderpaul fell victim to Smith’s bowling just before lunch.
After Chanderpaul’s dismissal, Anderson and Nandu flourished, adding 137 runs for the second wicket before Nandu was stumped by wicketkeeper Aldaine Thomas for 61 runs. Following Anderson’s return from injury after reaching his second century of the season, the Scorpions seized their moment, taking crucial wickets as the Harpy Eagles slipped to 251-5 by day’s end.
For the Harpy Eagles, Kemol Savory and Gudakesh Motie were the not-out batsmen on 18 and six runs, respectively, at the close of the day’s play. Despite challenges, the Scorpions’ bowlers, particularly Smith, showed resilience, with Tamarie Redwood offering support by dismissing two batsmen, despite some inconsistency.
The Jamaica Scorpions face a challenging situation against the Guyana Harpy Eagles, yet they maintain a belief in overcoming the deficit after a difficult opening day. Odean Smith’s performance and the team’s efforts in the last session provide a foundation for a potential comeback. Kevlon Anderson’s impressive century highlights the Harpy Eagles’ strong position, but with the game still ongoing, the Scorpions remain in contention to turn the match around.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
