THE latest round of matches in the 2024 West Indies Championships kicked off with a flurry of runs on Wednesday, with impressive batting displays across multiple venues.

At the Sir Frank Worrell Ground in St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, Red Force dominated proceedings against Combined Colleges and Campuses, amassing a formidable 374-4 by stumps. Jason Mohammed led the charge with a magnificent 157, laced with 22 boundaries, before departing late in the day. Amir Jangoo provided solid support with an unbeaten 151, guiding Trinidad and Tobago towards a commanding position. Opener Kjorn Ottley’s contribution of 47 earlier in the innings set the tone for the Red Force’s batting onslaught.

Initially, Amari Goodridge posed a threat for Combined Colleges and Campuses, claiming key wickets including Ottley and Vikash Mohan early on. However, Mohammed and Jangoo’s partnership proved unyielding, frustrating the opposition bowlers and propelling their team to a dominant position at the close of play. Goodridge finished the day with commendable figures of 3-37.

Over at the Queen’s Park Oval, Barbados Pride batters also shone brightly against Leeward Islands Hurricanes, posting a respectable 248-3 at stumps. Kraigg Brathwaite anchored the innings with an unbeaten 117 off 275 deliveries, while Zachary McCaskie notched his maiden List A century with an aggressive 101 from 148 balls. Their opening partnership laid a solid foundation until Justin Greaves broke through by dismissing McCaskie.

Despite Rahkeem Cornwall’s efforts for Leeward Islands, picking up crucial wickets including Raymon Reifer and Johnathan Drakes, Barbados remained in control by day’s end. Cornwall finished with figures of 2-70, while Greaves contributed with 1-32.

Meanwhile, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, the match between Windward Islands Volcanoes and West Indies Academy was impacted by rain. The Volcanoes were dismissed for 162, with Shamar Springer top-scoring with 31 runs. Joshua Bishop was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies Academy, claiming four wickets for 24 runs.

In response, West Indies Academy struggled at 99-5 before rain interrupted play. Kadeem Alleyne was the top-scorer with 35 runs. Gilon Tyson made inroads with the ball for the Volcanoes, picking up 2 wickets for 30 runs.