Nandu anchors Guyana’s fightback with classy ton

The second day of action in the West Indies Regional Four-Day Championship produced compelling cricket at both the Antigua Recreation Ground and the Coolidge Cricket Ground, as batters continued to dominate across the two venues.
Resuming on 423 for 6 at the Antigua Recreation Ground, West Indies Academy built on their solid foundation to post an imposing 485. The overnight centurions carried on with authority, led by Rivaldo Clarke’s commanding 180 from 228 deliveries. Clarke’s innings was studded with 23 fours and five sixes, underlining his control and power at the crease.

Amari Goodridge provided strong support, adding 123 from 185 balls, an innings that featured 12 boundaries and three sixes. Once the pair departed, Guyana Harpy Eagles wrapped up the innings efficiently, with Nial Smith and Thaddeus Lovell claiming two wickets apiece to account for the remaining four dismissals.
In reply, the Harpy Eagles produced a confident and measured response. Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Matthew Nandu combined for a 127-run partnership that set the tone for the innings. Chanderpaul struck 59 from 106 balls, including 10 fours and a six, before leg-spinner Zishan Motara broke the stand.
The momentum continued with a 73-run second-wicket partnership before Giovonte Depeiza dismissed Kevlon Anderson for 31 off 68 deliveries. Motara struck again to remove Tevin Imlach for eight, keeping the Academy in contention.
However, Nandu anchored the innings with composure, reaching an unbeaten 110 from 186 balls, highlighted by 13 fours. At the close of play, Guyana Harpy Eagles were 248 for 3 in 68 overs, with debutant Zeynul Ramsammy providing support on 12 not out. The visitors remain well placed heading into the third day, though still trailing the Academy’s first-innings total.
Meanwhile, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force resumed day two on 298 for 7 and extended their total to 333. Barbados Pride responded steadily, reaching 262 for 9 by stumps.

Leniko Boucher top-scored with 80 from 121 balls, while tailender Joshua Bishop frustrated the Red Force attack with a determined 79 off 88 deliveries. Anderson Phillip was the standout bowler for Trinidad and Tobago, returning figures of 4 for 51 to keep his side in control of the contest.

With both matches delicately poised, play is scheduled to resume at 10:00h today at both venues as teams look to strengthen their positions in the ongoing round of the championship.