Eagles looking for flying start against Volcanoes in Super50 opener
As the Regional Super50 tournament kicks off in Port of Spain, Trinidad cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the opening match between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Windward Islands Volcanoes. This fixture promises to be an exciting clash of talent and strategy as these two teams go head to head in pursuit of glory.
Last season, it was Volcanoes who drew first blood, but Eagles were able to secure a win the second time they met. However, it was Eagles who advanced to the semifinals over Volcanoes although they eventually were eliminated by defending champions, Jamaica Scorpions.
Under the new leadership of Veerasammy Permaul, the Guyana Harpy Eagles are looking to make a strong start in the competition. Permaul, a seasoned campaigner in West Indies cricket, takes over the captaincy from the retired Leon Johnson. With 15 years of List A cricket and 102 matches under his belt, Permaul’s wealth of experience and previous leadership roles will serve as valuable assets in guiding the Eagles through the tournament.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles boast a star-studded line=up with a slew of West Indies players at their disposal. However, their focus will be on countering the formidable batting line-up of their opponents.
At the top of the order, the presence of Tagenarine Chanderpaul provides a solid foundation, and with options like Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tevin Imlach, Kemol Savory, and Kevlon Anderson, the top order looks promising. This line-up sets the stage for Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford to come into their own during the latter stages of the innings, providing the Eagles with a crucial boost.
Yet, despite the star power on their side, only Hetmyer and Hemraj have managed to notch centuries at this level. Imlach, averaging 33 with three fifties in 19 matches, aims to continue his form from the previous season. In the last campaign, he emerged as the leading run-scorer for Guyana, accumulating 268 runs in seven innings. Savory, Chanderpaul, and Rutherford, while talented, have room for improvement in their averages, all hovering in the high 20s.
In the bowling department, Guyana Harpy Eagles boast a strong spin duo with Permaul himself, a left-arm spinner, and the off-spinner Kevin Sinclair. This combination is of West Indies quality and promises to pose a significant challenge to the opposition. The seam quartet of Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Nial Smith, and Quinten Sampson adds depth and solidity to the Eagles’ bowling line-up.
On the other side, the Windward Islands Volcanoes, captained by the experienced Andre Fletcher with Alick Athanaze as his deputy, are not to be taken lightly. The team will be relying on a combination of experienced heads and emerging talents to make their mark in the tournament.
Jeremy Solozano, Sunil Ambris, Kavem Hodge, and Johnson Charles are the key figures with the bat. These players will be tasked with delivering strong performances to put the Eagles under pressure. In the bowling department, Shamar Springer and Shermon Lewis are the most exciting prospects and will, no doubt, have all eyes on them.
The clash between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Windward Islands Volcanoes promises to be an exhilarating battle between two formidable teams. Cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as the action unfolds in the Regional Super50, with both sides determined to make a statement on the opening day in Port of Spain.