Gritty Scorpions survive final day scare against Pride

Jamaica Scorpions clung on for dear life in a nerve-racking final session to survive against a rampant Barbados Pride in the rain-affected West Indies Championship cricket clash at Sabina Park on Wednesday.

After the Pride declared on a mountainous 626 for eight, the Scorpions, facing a deficit of 169 runs and at one stage reeling at 28 for three, battled to 90 for four after being set a theoretical 40-plus overs.

Injured captain John Campbell, hobbling to the crease on one good leg at number five, scored 42 not out. He and wicketkeeper Romaine Morris batted through 91 and 62 deliveries, respectively, to force the draw in fading light. Batting at number five, the Scorpions captain showed immense grit, while at the other end, Morris played the perfect supporting role, surviving 62 deliveries for just five not out.

Handshakes came at 6:05 p.m., with Barbados Pride, having requested and been granted an extra half-hour of play, trying to force victory.

The Scorpions' head coach Robert Haynes praised the resolve of his team.

"It was a very tough game, and we spoke about it being a tight game. I thought we should have gotten more runs in the first innings," he said. "Once they got that lead, we knew it was going to be a challenge facing their seamers and spinners on this last day, and captain John and Morris saw us through, and I am really pleased with the grit and fight shown."

LOOKED TO ACCELERATE

Earlier, resuming the fourth and final morning at 460 for five, leading by just three runs after securing first-innings honours, Barbados looked to accelerate.

Kyle Mayers, unbeaten on 16 overnight alongside Leniko Boucher 12, wasted little time. They added 104 for the sixth wicket before Mayers fell for a spectacular 84, including six fours and five sixes, caught off Odean Smith.

Then came the rain. When play resumed, Barbados were 542 for six. Boucher made 24, Shamar Springer hammered 36, and Johann Layne smashed an unbeaten 43 to push the Pride to 626 for eight before the declaration came.

Peat Salmon ended with four for 147 runs, while Smith claimed two for 90.

Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite also praised his batters and bowlers for showing real determination.

"We knew the task of getting Jamaica out was always going to be difficult, but our bowlers came out and showed real fight and this just gives us belief heading into the third and final game."