Former U19 stars Melius, Nandu hit maiden a whole bunch

Former West Indies Below-19 captain Kimani Melius underlined his immense potential with a splendid record-breaking maiden hundred, to steer Windward Islands Volcanoes’ domination of Trinidad and Tobago Purple Pressure on Thursday.

The 22-year-old, who led the Younger Windies on the 2020 ICC Below-19 World Cup, plundered 192 – the very best rating by a St Lucian in top quality cricket – as Volcanoes racked up a powerful 393 for seven of their second innings on the penultimate day of their opening spherical match within the regional four-day championship.

Kavem Hodge offered assist with 80 whereas captain Alick Athanaze struck an unbeaten 49 and the skilled Sunil Ambris, 42 not out, however it was Melius who stood out together with his very good effort.

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Resuming the morning on 39 with Volcanoes on 62 with out loss, Melius confronted 269 deliveries and struck 18 fours and three sixes. He reached his hundred off 128 balls in just below 2-¾ hours when he clipped the third supply earlier than lunch from off-spinner Bryan Charles (2-92) behind sq. for 2.

He moved to 150 off 191 balls in 4 hours on the crease with a single to advantageous leg off seamer Terrance Hinds, practically an hour earlier than tea.

With a double hundred in sight after being unbeaten on 169 at tea, Melius perished when he missed a reverse sweep and was lbw to Charles. Alongside the best way, Melius placed on 209 for the second wicket with Hodge who confronted 195 deliveries and struck half-dozen fours, earlier than including an extra 49 for the third wicket with Athanaze whose 92-ball knock contained 4 fours.

As soon as Melius was dismissed, Athanaze mixed in a 72-run, unbroken fourth wicket partnership with Ambris who as soon as once more performed aggressively, hanging two fours and a six in a 38-ball cameo.

General, Volcanoes lead by 325 runs heading into Friday’s ultimate day on the Grenada Nationwide Stadium.

On the Vivian Richards Cricket Floor in Antigua, 19-year-old opener Matthew Nandu carved out 126 on top quality debut to propel Guyana Harpy Eagles to 371 of their first innings towards reigning champions Barbados Pleasure on the second day of their contest.

Unbeaten in a single day on 70 together with his facet on 205 for 5, the left-hander reached triple figures with a pair to 3rd man off seamer Akeem Jordan (2-54) within the fourth over earlier than lunch.

Nandu prolonged his sixth wicket stand with Kevin Sinclair (43) to 62 earlier than including 90 for the seventh wicket with Veerasammy Permaul who struck 37 from 95 balls with six fours. Sinclair, resuming on 28, lashed eight fours off 69 deliveries. Seamer Jair McAllister (3-43) and off-spinner Chaim Holder (3-72) picked up three wickets apiece.

In reply, out-of-favour Check batsman Sheyne Moseley struck 65 to assist steer Pleasure to 105 for 3 on the shut. The left-handed Moseley confronted 107 deliveries and counted 9 fours, including 69 for the primary wicket with Zachary McCaskie (26) and 32 for the third wicket with Check batsman Shamarh Brooks (10 not out).

At Coolidge Cricket Floor additionally in Antigua, Jeremiah Louis struck an unbeaten 78 as Leeward Islands Hurricanes rallied from their in a single day 163 for six to 260 all out on the second day of their recreation towards Jamaica Scorpions.

Louis counted seven fours and three sexes off 171 deliveries, posting 46 for the ninth wicket with Colin Archibald (17) whereas quick bowler Marquino Mindley (3-28) and leg-spinner Abhijai Mansingh (3-47) claimed three-wicket hauls.

Leroy Lugg then slammed 79, Paul Palmer, 47, and Mansingh an unbeaten 34, as Scorpions stumbled to 186 for six on the shut, to path by 74 runs.

The correct-handed Lugg struck eight fours and 4 sixes in an 82-ball innings, posting 60 for the primary wicket with Kirk McKenzie (18) earlier than turning into one in all 4 wickets to tumble for 53 runs and go away Scorpions stuttering on 113 for 4.

Palmer, who confronted 97 balls and lashed eight fours, repaired the injury in a 72-run, fifth wicket stand with Mansingh, who struck 5 fours off 99 deliveries.

Nevertheless, Hurricanes hit again within the fourth over earlier than the shut when Check off-spinning all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall (3-47) knocked over Palmer and Jamie Service provider with out scoring in the identical over.

-CMC