Holder shines again, Titans go to IPL summit

Jason Holder's dream Indian Premier League (IPL) season continued today, as the lanky Barbados allrounder grabbed figures of three for 20 in Gujarat Titans' emphatic 82-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In the process, Gujarat moved to the top of the IPL table with 16 points from their 12 matches, with today's result being their fifth straight win in the 2026 season. 

Batting first, Gujarat made a modest 168 for five, with Sai Sudharsan (61 off 44 balls) and Washington Sundar (50 off 33) both hitting half-centuries. Holder made 11 not out at the back end, but it's with the ball where he and the Titans flexed their muscles as the Sunrisers were bowled out for just 86 in 14.5 overs. 

First, the pair of Kagiso Rabada (three for 28) and Mohammed Siraj (one for 11) rattled the Sunrisers in the power play as they slipped to 32 for four by the sixth over as the dangerous trio of Travis Head (duck), Abhishek Sharma (six) and Ishan Kishan (11) were all dismissed cheaply. 

Jason Holder (L) and his Gujarat Titans teammates celebrate a wicket in their IPL clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 12. Photo courtesy the IPL's Facebook page 

Holder joined the party in the 11th over with the key scalp of South African Heinrich Klassen (14) before having Nitish Reddy (two) caught by Sundar just three balss later. In his next over, Holder had Shivang Kumar (four) caught behind as the Sunrisers slid to 72 for eight. Ace Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan put the Sunrisers out of their misery when he had Praful Hinge (three) stumped by Jos Buttler.  

Holder's three-wicket burst has taken him up to 13 wickets from just six matches in this year's IPL campaign. 

Summarised Scores: 

GUJARAT TITANS: 168/5 from 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 61, Washington Sundar 50, Nishant Sindhu 22; Praful Hinge 2/17, Sakib Hussain 2/37) vs SUNRISERS HYDERABAD: 86 from 14.5 overs (Pat Cummins 19, Salil Arora 16; Jason Holder 3/20, Kagiso Rabada 3/28). Titans won by 82 runs. 

Red Force to face Barbados for spot in 4-Day final

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team will play Barbados Pride for a place in the 2026 West Indies Championship final, after being unable to grind out an outright win in their third-round match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Antigua Recreation Ground. 

With the pitch still playing beautifully for batting on today's final day, the Red Force bowlers toiled as they tried to dismiss the Leewards for a second time. Facing a 177-run deficit after the first innings, the Leewards batsmen applied themselves much better in the second innings and eventually got to 467 for seven before the teams shook on a draw at approximately 4 pm. 

Starting the day on 160 for four, the Leewards still trailed by 17 runs, but the overnight pair of Keacy Carty and captain Justin Greaves solidified the innings with their fifth-wicket stand of 174. Carty got to a First-Class best of 147 before offering a simple return catch to Khary Pierre (one for 102), while Greaves struck 122 before being cleaned up by the tireless Anderson Phillip (four for 89) with the second new ball. In the post-lunch session, with the Leewards score on 327 for six, Greaves was dropped on 96 by TT captain Joshua Da Silva. It's difficult to say if that missed chance would have had a significant impact on the outcome, but the Leewards batsmen rarely missed a step thereafter. 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force skipper Joshua Da Silva is congratulated by Leeward Islands Hurricanes allrounder Kofi James on his double-century knock in their West Indies Championship match at the Antigua Recreation Ground. Photo courtesy Windies Regional 

After Greaves' eventual dismissal, wicket-keeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton (50 not out) and Rahkeem Cornwall (66 not out) effectively killed the game off with an unbeaten 112-run partnership for the eighth wicket. 

When Da Silva introduced wicket-keeper/batsman Amir Jangoo for his first bowl in First-Class cricket, it's safe to say the Red Force threw up their white flag as the game was called off as a draw at the end of the subsequent over. 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva was presented with a trophy after his team beat the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their three-match West Indies Championship series. 

The Red Force won the three-match bilateral series against the Leewards 1-0. Still, their overall points tally fell short of the haul of reigning champs Guyana Harpy Eagles, who completed a third straight victory against the Windward Islands Volcanoes. 

Guyana will now sit down for the final, which bowls off at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, on May 17, with the Red Force returning home for a short rest before facing Barbados in their semifinal playoff from May 10 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua. 

Summarised Scores: 

TT RED FORCE: 522/9 declared (Joshua Da Silva 220, Amir Jangoo 83, Jason Mohammed 47; Karima Gore 4/86, Oshane Thomas 2/70) vs LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES: 345 (Jahmar Hamilton 121, K Gore 90, Rahkeem Cornwall 38; Anderson Phillip 4/92, Terrabce Hinds 3/49) & 467/7 (Keacy Carty 147, Justin Greaves 122, R Cornwall 66 not out; A Phillip 4/89). Match drawn. 

GUYANA HARPY EAGLES: 242 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 69, Keemo Paul 64; Ryan John 4/28, Darel Cyrus 3/79) & 299 (T Chanderpaul 117 not out, Gudakesh Motie 53; Kenneth Dember 3/52, R John 3/58) vs WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 223 (Kavem Hodge 74, Alick Athanaze 50 not out; G Motie 4/52, Nial Smith 2/27) & 225 (A Athanaze 64, Johann Jeremiah 25; G Motie 4/82, Veerasammy Permaul 3/41). Guyana won by 93 runs. 

Phillip grabs six, but Red Force falter with bat

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force bowlers picked up where they left off on the opening day of their West Indies Championship Four-Day clash with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, as they bowled out the opposition for just 131 in the first innings at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, earlier today. 

However, unlike the first meeting between the two teams, the Red Force batsmen hardly had things their own way, as the visitors were left in a precarious position at 85 for six by the end of the day's play. 

Coming off an emphatic innings and 271-run victory over the Leewards, Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva didn't hesitate when he won the toss this morning, sending the hosts to bat first. The Red Force didn't have to wait long to see positive returns, and fast bowler Anderson Phillip bossed the first half of the day's proceedings with figures of six for 38. Phillip bowled with good pace and hit a consistent length on off stump, dislodging the top four of Mikyle Louis (13), Kadeem Henry (13), Keacy Carty (four) and the struggling Jewel Andrew (golden duck). 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force fast bowler Anderson Phillip. Photo courtesy Red Force

Drafted into the playing XI for this game, number three batsman Karima Gore was the only player who offered resistance as he cracked 57 off 90 balls, and was ultimately the last man out as he drove Terrance Hinds (one for 46) out to Jason Mohammed at deep cover. 

Jayden Seales also had a good day with ball in hand and returned figures of three for 33 as he took the wickets of Justin Greaves (six), Jahmar Hamilton (duck), and Rahkeem Cornwall (two). 

With the first day's pattern seemingly following the script from the first encounter, the Leewards fast bowlers quickly had their say to make several inroads of their own. Perhaps inspired after receiving his Leewards cap from legendary Windies pacer Curlty Ambrose before the start of play, Kelvin Pitman rocked the Red Force top order with figures of four for 20. Not to be outdone, burly Jamaican pacer Oshane Thomas (two for 32) once again bowled with pace and hostility to clean up Evin Lewis (18) and dismiss first-match double centurion Amir Jangoo for 13. Thomas wasn't done there, as he also struck Jyd Goolie (six) on the hand with a rapid bouncer, forcing the left-hander to retire his innings. 

Leeward Islands Hurricanes fast bowler Kelvin Pitman receives his playing cap from the legendary Curtly Ambrose

Though Phillip may have thought his exploits with the ball warranted a well-deserved rest, he has joined a watchful Da Silva (16 not out) in the middle. Together, the pair will hope they grind out enough runs to give Red Force a lead going into the second innings. The hosts currently have a 46-run lead, but with three days left, this contest is far from over. 

Roundup of scores in the West Indies Four-Day Championship after today's action. Photo courtesy Cricket West Indies media 

Summarised Scores: 

LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES - 131 (Karima Gore 57, Jeremiah Louis 19, Mikyle Louis 13; Anderson Phillip 6/38, Jayden Seales 3/33) vs TT RED FORCE - 85/6 (Evin Lewis 18, Joshua Da Silva 16 not out, Amir Jangoo 13; Kelvin Pitman 4/20, Oshane Thomas 2/32). Leewards lead by 46 runs. 

Kevin Wickham cracks pair of centuries in Four-Day opener

Barbados Pride top-order batsman Kevin Wickham has made a grand statement to start the 2026 West Indies Four-Day Championship season, rattling off a pair of centuries in his team's opener against the Jamaica Scorpions at Chedwin Park, Spanish Town, Jamaica. 

In the first innings, the 23-year-old right-hander spanked a First-Class best of 153 off 193 balls as Barbados posted a formidable score of 348. With the Jamaicans replying with a solid first-innings score of 342, the stylish Wickham returned for more in Barbados' second innings by hitting an unbeaten 108 off 155 balls, his fifth First-Class century in only his 22nd match. In the second innings, Wickham shared in a 116-run stand for the sixth wicket with Shamar Springer (54 off 98) as the Barbados Pride eventually declared on 317 for eight. 

Barbados Pride right-hander Kevin Wickham plays a cut shot against Jamaica Scorpions in their 2026 West Indies Championship Four-Day opener in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Photos courtesy Cricket West Indies/Athelstan Bellamy

Set an improbable 324 for victory on today's fourth and final day, the Scorpions were sitting comfortably at 85 without loss at the time of publication, as the teams looked destined for a draw. 

The Pride and the Scorpions will bowl off the second match of their three-match series from April 19 at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. 

Summarised Scores: 

BARBADOS PRIDE - 348 (Kevin Wickham 153, Kyle Mayers 64, Shamar Springer 40, Joshua Bishop 37; Marquino Midley 4/32, Peat Salmon 4/104) & 317/8 declared (K Wickham 108 not out, Shayne Moseley 65, S Springer 54, Kraigg Brathwaite 44; M Mindley 3/48, Abhijai Mansingh 2/56) vs JAMAICA SCORPIONS - 342 (Carlos Brown 61, Odean Smith 49 not out, P Salmon 45, Romaine Morris 42; Jomel Warrican 5/71, K Mayers 2/17) & 85/0 (John Campbell 40 not out, Kirk McKenzie 26 not out). 

Kevin Wickham raises his bat after reaching the century mark against the Jamaica Scorpions in their 2026 West Indies Championship fixture. 

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. 

Hope wants more ruthless approach from Windies batsmen

West Indies skipper Shai Hope would like to see a more purposeful approach from his batsmen as they move into the Super 8 phase of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup from February 23. 

The Windies finished atop group C with a perfect record after defeating newcomers Italy by 42 runs in their final group match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 19. Speaking at the post-match ceremony after the victory over the Italians, Hope said the bowlers have got their execution down to a T thus far in the tourney, but reckoned there’s still room for improvement in the batting department. 

“It's a fine margin. Yes, we know we have batting depth, but batting smarts still need to be applied, especially when you're coming up against opposition – it's international cricket – that can get you on any day,” Hope said, when asked about the team’s ability to recover from the loss of early wickets. 

“You've still got to be clinical and ruthless with the way you go about your strokeplay. As much depth as we have, we still have to make sure we capitalise on those deliveries. Regardless of who's out there in the middle, we've got to make sure we do it for the team.” 

The Windies captain top-scored with a typically fluent 75 off 46 balls against Italy. However, the rest of the batsmen weren’t flowing as smoothly against the Europeans as the West Indies eventually got to a modest score of 165 for six after being asked to bat first. Both Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford made 24, while Matthew Forde chipped in at the back end with 16 not out off eight balls. 

West Indies captain Shai Hope (L) and Roston Chase run between the wickets at the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup. Photo courtesy ICC

Hope spoke to his team’s unfamiliarity with the majority of Italy’s bowlers, but said his charges must improve if they are faced with similar challenges going forward. 

“I felt we could have put a little more impetus into the innings, especially in the middle. But again, all learnings to take from it,” he said. “If we're ever faced with that situation again, we have to find ways to be a bit more enforceful, especially when you've got better opposition to play. Not putting anything against Italy, but when crunch time comes, you've got to ensure you're capitalising on more deliveries.” 

For the third time in four matches, the Windies bowled out their opponents as the Italians only got up to 123 from 18 overs. Shamar Joseph cleaned up the tail and finished with career-best T20 figures of four for 30, while Forde set the tone again in the power play and took three for 19 in his four overs. Left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie (two for 24) and Akeal Hosein (one for 25) were also among the wickets. 

“I'm very proud of the bowling group. They're just executing really well. And not only from this tour, but even from a few series ago. We're just hitting the straps where we need to. I just feel as though the confidence and clarity we find in our bowlers gives us a lot clearer execution,” he said. 

“In this situation, it's about doing it over and over and doing it all the way through until we can get as far in the competition as we can get.” 

The Men in Maroon face surprise package and group B winners Zimbabwe in their first Super 8 match in Mumbai on February 23, before playing group D winners South Africa on February 26 and reigning champs India on March 1. The top two teams in each of the Super 8 groups will advance to the semis which will be played on March 4 and 5, respectively. The final will be played on March 8.