Cricket has officially returned to Barbados for the first time in over a year with the start of the Barbados Cricket Association T20 Cup. A jam-packed start over the weekend saw several West Indian stars, including West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite, Test batter Shamarh Brooks, all-rounder Raymon Reifer and many others, suit up for their respective clubs around the island.
Wanderer's long time skipper Brathwaite led his team to two victories. He contributed a classy 36 at the top of the order in the opening game against the Spartan cricket club.
Top-flight cricketer Raymon Reifer also featured for Wanderers over the weekend, alongside former West Indies Test skipper Kirk Edwards and opening batter Shayne Moseley. However, Roshon Primus's power stole the spotlight with 86 not out from just 52 balls against the YMPC club.
Former West Indies opener Dwayne Smith also got in on the action with the first hundred of the tournament in a losing cause where he blazed 124 in 74 deliveries at his home ground YMPC.
Moving down the list of West Indian royalty, Jonathan Carter, who played in 33 ODIs for the Windies, registered scores of 42 and 31* and a masterful 3-12 filled with several variations leading the University of the West Indies' A' team to successive victories. Shamarh Brooks, known for his elegance at the crease, lived up to his reputation with his 39-ball 41 on Sunday in Spartan's first win of the tournament against the Foundation school.
Despite some sharp knocks from the experienced players, there was a great deal of youthful presence, with several former West Indies Under-19 players taking part. The standout was medium-pacer Mathew Forde, who competed at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. He bagged 4-12 on day one and 2/3 on day two, dismantling defending champions and Ashley Nurse's Gladiola club for a mere 79.
Opener Justin Greaves was also in the runs with 60 from 49 deliveries for the Empire Club and was one of several CPL players to take battle. The Carlton Club alma maters, Nyeem Young and Shamar Springer won both the games for their side as well.
In just two games, so many former, present, and future West Indies stars were on display that the BCA T20 Cup is expected to produce captivating cricket. The tournament is already heating up in Bridgetown, Barbados and it will continue next weekend. Stay engaged with One Cricket for more!