ST JOHN’S, Antigua- The defending champions, the Guyana Harpy Eagles, stand one win away from securing a fourth consecutive West Indies Championship title, but standing in their way are the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, a side chasing its first championship in 20 years, as the two teams prepare to clash in Sunday’s decider at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The Harpy Eagles have been a dominant force in this format, winning the last three editions of the tournament. They cruised into the season finale with three consecutive victories over the Windward Islands Volcanoes, as well as a comfortable innings-and-21-run win over the West Indies Academy in the lead-up to the final.
The Harpy Eagles have made one change to their squad, with Shamar Joseph returning in place of Thaddeus Lovell.
Former West Indies Under-19 representative and Academy graduate Matthew Nandu starred in the win over the Academy side, scoring a maiden double century. He also registered two half-centuries earlier in the tournament, taking his tally to 353 runs.
Nandu’s opening partner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, struck a match-winning century against the Volcanoes and has three fifties to his name, bringing his tournament total to 367 runs. Together, they have been the main catalyst at the top of the order for the champions.
Jonathan Van Lange, this year’s West Indies Under-19 representative, stroked an elegant century on debut against the Academy, strengthening his case for selection in the final.
The spin duo of Gudakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul have combined for 39 wickets this season, with Motie claiming 26 and Permaul reaching the milestone of 600 first-class wickets after taking three in the match against the Academy.
Captain Tevin Imlach, who is aiming for his third title as skipper, says his team is confident of finishing the season unbeaten with another victory in the final.
“The guys are eager and ready; the feeling is like last year where the title was decided with the last game against Trinidad. However, it should be a good game, and we are finalizing our preparation despite some rain around, but the players are in good spirits and ready for that game.”
Guyana boasts a formidable bowling attack, but Trinidad & Tobago Red Force have their captain Joshua Da Silva leading their charge with the bat. He tops the tournament run chart with 402 runs in five innings at an average of 80.40, including a double century and two half-centuries.
He has been well supported by Amir Jangoo, who has scored 359 runs, and opener Cephas Cooper, who has made 229 runs, highlighted by a century and a fifty against the Barbados Pride in the playoff round.
All-rounder Terrance Hinds has also complemented the top order, contributing 222 runs along with nine wickets so far in the tournament.
With the ball, Anderson Phillip has been the tournament’s leading wicket-taking pacer with 21 wickets, while Jayden Seales has claimed 16 wickets in just three matches.
The depth and versatility of the bowling attack, combined with the strong batting form, are key reasons why Da Silva remains confident about turning the tables and ending the Red Force’s 20-year wait for the title.
“There’s a reason Guyana have done so well in the red ball format over the last few years. We know that we might be going in as the underdogs, but that’s good for us,” Da Silva explained. “We know the strength that we have. We know the calibre of players that we have and with Andy, Jayden, Bryan, Khary, I think the bowling attack is one force that is really the strength. We’re just going into it with everything that we can, leaving it all out on the field, and may the better team win over the four days.”
With history on the line for both sides, Sunday’s final promises a high-stakes showdown between a dynasty seeking to extend its reign and a challenger desperate to end a 20-year wait. (windiescricket)
