Van Lange’s dream debut, Nandu’s double put Harpy Eagles in command

The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) tightened their grip on proceedings against the West Indies Academy with a commanding batting display, finishing the day on 655 for eight and leading by 170 runs with two wickets in hand.
Resuming the day on 248 for three, with Zeynul Ramsammy and centurion Matthew Nandu at the crease, the Harpy Eagles were dealt an early blow when Zishan Motara trapped Ramsammy leg before wicket for 14. That dismissal, however, brought debutant Jonathan Van Lange to the crease, and what followed was a partnership that shifted the momentum decisively.

The 19-year-old van Lange joined Nandu in a remarkable fifth-wicket stand worth 255 runs. The all-rounder announced himself in emphatic fashion, compiling a superb 133 from 165 deliveries. His innings featured 20 fours and a six, placing him among a select group of players to score a century on their first-class debut for Guyana.
At the other end, Nandu continued to anchor the innings with authority. Shortly after Van Lange reached three figures, Nandu celebrated his maiden First-Class double century, displaying composure and patience throughout. Motara eventually claimed his fourth wicket by dismissing van Lange, but the GHE’s dominance remained evident.
By tea, the score had advanced to 522 for five, with Nandu and Richie Looknauth at the crease and the lead stretching to 37 runs.
After the interval, Nandu’s marathon innings came to an end when Rivaldo Clarke dismissed him for 237 off 361 balls, an effort decorated with 29 boundaries. His knock laid the foundation for Guyana’s imposing total.
The run flow continued as Gudakesh Motie added a brisk 48 from 61 balls, striking six fours. Later, Motara capped an impressive spell by securing his fifth wicket of the innings. Looknauth remained unbeaten on 71 at stumps, with Thaddeus Lovell on four, as GHE closed on 655 for eight from 158 overs. GHE lead the West Indies Academy by 170 runs with two wickets remaining.
Meanwhile, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the Barbados Pride were dismissed for 296, adding 34 runs to their overnight 262 for nine. Joshua Bishop was left stranded on 99 not out, narrowly missing a century.
Cephas Cooper then led the response for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, crafting an unbeaten 101 from 192 balls. The Red Force closed on 209 for seven, holding a lead of 246 runs with three wickets remaining.
With substantial leads established in both matches and wickets still in hand, the contests remain finely poised heading into the final day’s play.