Antigua and Barbuda successfully chased down a relatively easy target against newcomers Combined Islands on Sunday afternoon to kick off their title defence in the Leeward Islands Cricket Board 50 Overs Tournament.
The Combined Islands won the toss and elected to bat posting 173 all out in 39.3 overs. The innings was anchored by a magnificent knock from Aviskhar Sewkarran, who fell agonisingly short of a well-deserved century, scoring 96 runs off 109 balls. Sewkarran’s innings, studded with five fours and seven sixes, was the backbone of the Combined Islands’ total.
Support came from Brian Joseph (18 runs) and Keion De Jesus (10 runs), but the Antigua and Barbuda bowling attack, led by Skipper Karima Gore, kept the pressure on throughout. Gore finished with impressive figures of four wickets for 34 runs, well supported by Jawakie Joseph and Kofi James, who claimed two wickets each.
Facing a challenging target, Antigua and Barbuda’s batsmen came out with all guns blazing. In a display of aggressive batting, they reached the target in just 18.2 overs, scoring at a blistering run rate of 9.49 per over. The chase was spearheaded by wicketkeeper batsman Jewel Andrew, who remained unbeaten on 49 off merely 28 balls, his innings embellished with 4 sixes and 4 fours.
Kadeem Henry provided solid support with a quickfire 30 off 29 balls, while Deran Benta chipped in with an unbeaten 24 off 20 deliveries. The Combined Islands’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with only Samuel Jones and Roniel Jeffrey managing to claim two wickets each. Antigua and Barbuda will play Anguilla at the Warner Park today.
