FOUR-DAY: Nandu’s 237 and Van Lange’s debut 133 put Harpy Eagles in the ascendancy

The Antigua Recreation Ground witnessed a batting masterclass on day three as the Guyana Harpy Eagles effectively batted the West Indies Academy out of the contest.

At the heart of the dominance was opener Matthew Nandu, whose unbeaten 237 served as the bedrock of a mammoth 655 for 8, handing the Eagles a substantial 170-run lead and a firm grip on the proceedings heading into the final day.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/3202a027-c2f8-4257-be29-cd0091ee2da0/scorecard

While Nandu provided the endurance, 19-year-old debutant Jonathan Van Lange provided the spark.

The youngster announced his arrival on the First-Class stage with a scintillating 133, showing no nerves as he dismantled an increasingly weary Academy attack.

The pair combined for a demoralising 255-run partnership for the fifth wicket, a stand that shifted the game from a competitive scrap into a one-sided exhibition.

Nandu, who resumed the morning on 110, showed remarkable temperament on a surface that offered little assistance to the seamers. His knock was a study in concentration, punctuated by precise placement and an ironclad defence.

As the day progressed, he expanded his stroke play, eventually surpassing his previous career best of 126 on debut, to reach the double-century mark.

The West Indies Academy bowlers, led by leg-spinner Zishan Motara, found themselves under relentless pressure. Despite the mounting score, Motara remained the lone bright spot in the figures, toiling through 45 overs to claim a hard-fought 5 for 199.

However, his efforts were often undone by the sheer depth of the Guyanese batting lineup. Following the departure of Van Lange, Richie Looknauth ensured there would be no respite, striking a fluent 71 not out to further extend the lead.

As the match moves into the final day, the Harpy Eagles appear content to squeeze the Academy further. With the lead at 170 and the final scheduled for May 17, the Guyanese camp is viewing the remaining sessions as a vital opportunity for their middle order to find rhythm.

Across the island at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have moved into pole position against Barbados Pride, setting the stage for a potential high-stakes showdown between the Red Force and the Harpy Eagles in the tournament decider.

At Coolidge: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 333 all out from 111.2 overs  (Cephas Cooper 93, Joshua DaSilva 70, Terrance Hinds 51, Amir Jangoo 41, Jyd Goolie 33; Shamar Springer 3-40, Kyle Mayers 2-39, Johann Layne 2-58, Roston Chase 2-66) & 209-7 from 72 overs (Cephas Cooper 101, Terrance Hinds 26; Joshua Bishop 4-60, Roston Chase 3-49) lead Barbados Pride 262-9 from 61 overs (Leniko Boucher 80, Joshua Bishop 79, Shamar Springer 51; Anderson Phillip 4-51, Terrance Hinds 3-48, Jayden Seales 2-58) by 246 runs   

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