Red Force blow away Hurricanes in three days

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force made light work of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their opening match of the 2026 West Indies Four-Day Championship when they completed a dominant innings and 271-run win at the Coolidge Cricket ground, Antigua, on April 14. 

The Leewards never came to the party in what is the first of three meetings between the teams in a unique regional season, as they were bowled out for meagre scores of 138 and 98, granting the Red Force victory on only the third day. In contrast, the Red Force batsmen seemed like they were batting on a different pitch. And led by left-hander Amir Jangoo (203 not out off 287 balls), they rattled off an imposing 507 for five declared in their lone turn at the crease. 

Jangoo got to 133 by the end of day two as he brought up his second First-Class hundred. And in tandem with allrounder Terrance Hinds (100 not out off 195), he knocked the stuffing out of the Leewards bowling attack in an unbeaten 253-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Just after the lunch interval on day three, both men got to landmarks, as Jangoo brought up his second double hundred at the regional level, while Hinds got to his second First-Class century, both of which have come against the Leewards. 

With the respective milestones out of the way, the Red Force declared, allowing their bowlers to do the rest. By the tea break, the Leewards were on 37 for three, as pacers Anderson Phillip (two for 18) and Jayden Seales (one for 16) tore through the top order with ease. Skipper Justin Greaves (56 not out off 128) was the only batsman to put up any real fight as the hosts were skittled out for 98 late in the final session. 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batsmen Amir Jangoo (left) and Terrance Hinds put the Leeward Islands Hurricanes bowlers to the sword in their West Indies Four-Day Championship match. Photo courtesy Cricket West Indies media

Just like they did in the first innings, spinners Khary Pierre (four for 37) and Bryan Charles (two for 15) accounted for six scalps, with Charles dismissing last-man Oshane Thomas (duck), who was cruelly left on an island by his skipper. Perhaps Greaves' mind and body were tired, as he was the only recognised batsman to score in double figures. The other player to score in double digits was lanky number ten batsman Daniel Doram, who struck two fours in an innings of 16. 

The Leewards post-mortem will be an interesting one then, as they must dust themselves off for part two of their battle with the Red Force, which bowls off at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, on April 19. 

Red Force left-hander Amir Jangoo delivered a masterclass, notching his second double-century at the regional level. 

Summarised Scores: 

LEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES: 138 (Jahmar Hamilton 44, Jewel Andrew 27; Bryan Charles 3/9, Khary Pierre 3/34) & 98 (Justin Greaves 56 not out, Daniel Doram 16; K Pierre 4/37, B Charles 2/15) vs TT RED FORCE: 507/5 declared (Amir Jangoo 203 not out, Terrance Hinds 100 not out; Oshane Thomas 3/98, J Greaves 1/64). Red Force won by an innings and 271 runs.