KIERAN Powell became the first player to score a First Class century at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, lashing 139 to steer Leeward Islands Hurricanes into a solid position at the close of day one against TT Red Force, in their third round match of the West Indies Championships, on Wednesday.
Left-handed opener Powell batted confidently for most of the day and, with support from his teammates, helped Hurricanes to 308/7 in their first innings at stumps.
Red Force fought back with four wickets in the final session, but Hurricanes have the advantage heading into day two, as Powell got support from fellow left-hander Amir Jangoo, who made 58.
Speaking about his innings, Powell said, “(It feels) very good. That’s what batters play for. Still disappointed though (because) I think I missed out on some runs on that pitch, but happy that I got a start with the resumption of the season and hopefully I could take it forward.”
Red Force were forced to make changes at the last minute as captain Imran Khan and opener Keagan Simmons tested positive for covid19. Tion Webster, who was not in the 15-man squad named last week, found himself in the starting XI.
The fans, approximately 150 of them, could not ask for a better day as, after a period of rain over the last week, the sun was out in all its glory.
After West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales removed Montcin Hodge for duck, Powell and Keacy Carty put on 64 runs for the second wicket.
Carty, who will be heading to Netherlands and Pakistan with West Indies on his debut One Day International tour next week, struck a fluent 31 off 42 balls before off-spinner Bryan Charles got the breakthrough to leave Hurricanes on 66/2.
Powell was unfazed at the other end and brought up his 50 before lunch.
At lunch, Hurricanes had the edge getting to 98/2 with Powell 51 not out and Devon Thomas unbeaten on 12.
Red Force made a perfect start to the second session as West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein grabbed a wicket off his second ball in the match when he bowled Thomas for 12.
With the score 98/3, Red Force were now back in the contest.
Following the fall of Thomas, Red Force kept the match fairly tight with Hosein and Seales bowling in tandem.
[caption id="attachment_955513" align="alignnone" width="1024"] TT Red Force fielder Akeal Hosein prepares to make a throw during Wednesday's opening day, of the West Indies Championship third round match against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex. Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
Fast bowler Anderson Phillip and Charles also stopped the flow of runs, but the Trinidad-born Jangoo played an exquisite cover drive off Phillip that was worth a second look.
Powell continued to look the part hitting a four down to fine leg off Charles to move into the 70s.
He quickly moved into the 80s when he chipped down the wicket and hit a straight six as Hurricanes were now cruising on 163/3.
Leg spinne
