West Indies Four-Day Championship 2023: Imlach strokes classy century, but Jamaica fight back
By Brandon Corlette at Providence
Chanderpaul hitting Mansingh for four in his 89 (Brandon Corlette photos)
Tevin Imlach has scored his maiden century in First-Class cricket for the Guyana Harpy Eagles, but Tevin Gilzene and Jermaine Blackwood have led the Jamaica Scorpions’ fightback at Providence.
In this fourth-round clash of the West Indies 4-Day Championship, the Scorpions have secured 176-1 after 43 overs at stumps on day three, requiring another 282 runs to win on the final day. Gilzene was unbeaten on 81, while Blackwood was on 66 not out, after twice being dropped by Leon Johnson at first-slip: on 41 and 53, off the bowling of Ronsford Beaton.
The Scorpions began their chase of 458 runs in entertaining fashion. The first delivery of the final innings saw Ronsford Beaton peeling the outside edge of Leroy Lugg as the ball flew into the boundary; but with the very next ball, Lugg stamped his authority with a six over Beaton’s head, then Beaton produced a golden ball that got the edge of Lugg, him being taken at the wicket by Imlach to render the Scorpions 10-1.
Blackwood then drove Beaton straight down the ground on two occasions. Jamaica reached 28-1 after six overs at tea. Gilzene was pegged back by Beaton with some peppery bowling, but he and Blackwood survived to add an unbroken 166 runs for the second wicket.
The Guyanese bowlers failed to dominate, but credit must be given to the Jamaican batsman.
Imlach scores masterful unbeaten 136
Tevin Imlach on the pull at Providence
Guyana had resumed the third day on 138-4, with Chanderpaul on 60 and Imlach on 50. Chanderpaul had a slow start to the day, while Imlach was busy at the crease. The Jamaican bowlers worked hard, but these two Guyanese batsmen were rock solid. Chanderpaul added three runs to his score in the first hour, but with the introduction of leg-spinner Mansingh, Chanderpaul danced down the track and got a sweet four.
Dropped by Jermaine Blackwood at a fly slip on 69, Imlach did not look back as he capitalised on the chance. Chanderpaul was trapped minutes before to Blackwood, who switched from off-spin to medium. Chanderpaul, a Test opener who was set for his eighth First-Class century, was adjudged leg-before for 89 made from 249 balls. He struck 12 fours in his solid knock.
Mindley picked up six wickets, his best at First-Class level
Chanderpaul and Imlach, adding 175 runs for the fifth wicket, took Guyana from 33-4 to 208-5. Imlach ensured he reached his well-deserved century before lunch, as he cut Blackwood for three. The man from the Demerara Cricket Club reached this milestone in 169 balls, and had stroked 12 fours at that point.
Guyana had reached 220-5 in 73 overs at lunch, with Imlach on 101 and Sinclair on one. Upon resumption, Sinclair and Imlach looked to score quick runs, and Sinclair thumped three fours in his 18, but became Mindley’s fifth wicket when he was brilliantly caught at deep square-leg.
Veerasammy Permaul (02) did not last long, as he was trapped by Mindley, who picked up his sixth wicket of the innings.
Guyana continued to pile on the runs, and the declaration finally came at 14:02h with Imlach unbeaten on 136 and Motie on 18. The Guyanese declared their innings closed at 294-7 in 92.4 overs to equip themselves with a lead of 457 runs.
In the other match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Leewards lead Windwards by 128 runs. Windwards had scored 353 all out in their 95 overs in replying to Leewards 382-9 declared. Kaveem Hodge and Alick Athanaze scored centuries. At stumps, Leewards were 99-5.
In the other match at Queen’s Park, Barbados require another 66 runs for victory. Trinidad and Tobago posted 203 and 185, while Barbados scored 271 in their first innings. At stumps, Barbados were 52-2. Matches will commence at 10:00h EC time today.