ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite missed out on yet another century but Barbados strengthened their bid for victory over Leeward Islands, on the second day of their final round Regional Four-Day match here yesterdayThe right-handed Test batsman scored 92 as the visitors pushed on from their overnight 167 for one, to 326 all out after tea at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, and take a first innings lead of 232 runs.
Leg-spinner Anthony Martin picked up five for 78 while off-spinner Jacques Taylor (2-42) and seamer Kelbert Walters (2-64) finished with two wickets apiece.
Batting a second time, the Leewards reached 54 for two, with captain and Test batsman Kieran Powell unbeaten on 23. The hosts requiring another 178 runs to make Barbados bat again.
Barbados had a huge slice of luck early in the day when Brathwaite was put down behind after he had added just one to his overnight 73.
He and Kirk Edwards (23) made slow progress, however, and Barbados put on just 12 runs inside the first hour.
Edwards was the first to fall, driving to Orlando Peters at point off Taylor attempting to break the shackles, with the score on 189 for two.
Unbeaten on 92 at lunch with Barbados on 219 for two, Brathwaite perished to the fourth delivery on resumption, lbw to Martin pushing forward.
It was the third time this season Brathwaite has fallen in the 90s, after missing out against Jamaica and Combined Campuses and Colleges.
Barbados then stumbled, losing Jonathan Carter for 39 at 246 for four and all-rounder Kevin Stoute first ball without scoring, yorked by Walters.
With just seven runs added, wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich drove Taylor loosely to point to fall for two and Barbados’ slide continued, with the last five wickets falling for 73 runs.
Shai Hope, with 29, and Carlos Brathwaite, 20, provided the energy in the late stages of the innings.