In a nail-biting encounter that epitomized the excitement of Caribbean cricket, the Windward Islands Volcanoes snatched a dramatic two-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their opening CG United Super50 Cup fixture on November 19, 2025. The high-scoring thriller at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba saw all-rounder Darron Nedd deliver a performance for the ages, starring with both bat and ball to guide his team to a memorable win.
Hurricanes Set a Daunting 324-Run Target
The Leeward Islands Hurricanes, after being put in to bat, posted a formidable total of 324 all out in 47.3 overs. Their innings was anchored by a magnificent century from opener Kofi James, who blazed 103 runs off just 87 deliveries, a knock studded with nine fours and five sixes. James, alongside Mikyle Louis, provided a blistering start, forging a 125-run partnership for the first wicket. Louis contributed a rapid 59 from 46 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes. Further impetus came from Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, who added a fluent 56 off 44 balls. By the 30th over, the Hurricanes were cruising at a commanding 232 for two, threatening to set an unassailable score.
However, the Windward Islands Volcanoes’ bowlers mounted a spirited fightback in the latter stages. Shadrack Descarte led the charge with figures of 3 wickets for 43 runs, ably supported by Darron Nedd (3/53) and Kenneth Dember (3/56). Their combined efforts saw the Hurricanes lose their last eight wickets for just 102 runs, including a late collapse where six wickets fell for a mere 24, ultimately setting the Volcanoes a target of 325 for victory.
Volcanoes’ Rocky Start to the Chase
The Volcanoes’ pursuit of the imposing total began in the worst possible fashion. They lost opener Johann Jeremiah for a duck on the third ball of the innings, immediately putting them under immense pressure. As the innings progressed, the Hurricanes’ bowlers tightened the screws, and the Volcanoes found themselves in deep trouble at 131 for five in the 23rd over. With a significant target still to chase, the task appeared monumental, and the significance of the CG United Super50 Cup sports news was being written with every ball.
Nedd and Douglas Ignite the Comeback
It was at this critical juncture that Darron Nedd, showcasing his all-round capabilities, began to turn the tide. Nedd, who had earlier chipped in with three crucial wickets, then produced a sensational batting display. He found an able ally in Dillon Douglas, who chipped in with a valuable 61 runs off 46 balls. Together, they forged a vital 107-run partnership that reignited the Volcanoes’ chase and brought them back within touching distance of the target.
Nedd’s aggressive and fearless stroke-play was instrumental in shifting the momentum. He smashed 94 runs off just 56 deliveries, propelling the Volcanoes towards their target with remarkable speed and composure. His innings was a masterclass in chasing a large total under pressure, demonstrating intent, placement, and a strong will to win.
Late Drama and Clarke’s Calm Finish
Just as Nedd seemed destined for a well-deserved century, he was dismissed by Oshane Thomas, who was the pick of the Hurricanes’ bowlers with 3 for 62. Nedd’s departure, falling six runs short of his century, left the Volcanoes still needing to navigate a tense final phase of the match. However, the calm and collected McKenny Clarke provided the finishing flourish, blasting an unbeaten 22 off a mere 12 balls, including two decisive sixes, to seal the thrilling two-wicket victory for the Windward Islands Volcanoes with 37 balls to spare.
Tournament Context and Significance
This match marked the opening round of the CG United Super50 Cup, a premier domestic cricket competition in the Caribbean. Notably, other scheduled opening round matches were affected by rain, making the Volcanoes’ completed victory all the more significant. The win not only secured crucial points for the Windward Islands but also set a powerful tone for their campaign in this prestigious sports event. The Leeward Islands Hurricanes, despite a strong start and a century from James, would be left to rue their inability to close out the game after setting such a high total, a common theme in competitive cricket news across the globe.
In conclusion, Darron Nedd’s extraordinary all-round performance was the defining narrative of this opening CG United Super50 Cup clash. His vital wickets in restricting the Hurricanes and his match-defining innings of 94 proved to be the pivotal contributions that steered the Windward Islands Volcanoes to a memorable triumph in a game that will be remembered as a true sporting thriller.
