Powell hits 95 in ‘Best v Best’ game; Hamilton XI 218-4 chasing 311

Kieran Powell missed out on a hundred, but Jahmar Hamilton XI were solid in their chase of 311 against Jermaine Blackwood XI on Day Three of the West Indies Four-Day ‘Best v Best’ game in St. Lucia on Wednesday.

Opener Powell made 95 off 175 balls (11x4s, 1×6) as Hamilton XI closed on 218-4, 93 runs adrift of the target. Shamarh Brooks made 39 and opener Shayne Moseley 36.

Raymon Reifer and Paul Palmer are the not out batsmen on 22 and 15 respectively. Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has taken 2-61 and Marquindo Mindley and Veerasammy Permaul has one each.

Earlier in the day, Blackwood XI slipped from an overnight position of 197-3 to 224 all out, with Jayden Seales taking 4-40, Reifer 2-22 and Preston McSween 2-35.

Shai Hope, resuming on 104, added just two to his score; Kyle Mayers made 40 and Blackwood 24.

Scores in the match: Blackwood XI 264 and 224; Hamilton XI 178 and 218-4.

Meanwhile, fast bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Nial Smith were ruled out of Day Three action.

Cricket West Indies Media reported on Wednesday that both players picked up injuries, and will play no further part in the day’s play. The match will conclude on Thursday.

“Shannon Gabriel is experiencing some tightness in his right hamstring. Nial Smith is experiencing some discomfort in his left lower back. Both will take no further part in today’s play,” CWI reported.

Playing for Jermaine Blackwood XI against Jahmar Hamilton, Gabriel took 2-16 and 0-6, while Smith bagged 3-35 and 0-4.