Brandon King and Zachary McCaskie missed out on hundreds as Team Weekes dominated the opening day of the second match of the Headley-Weekes Tri-Series on Wednesday.
In addition to King’s 92 and McKaskie’s 93, Jahmar Hamilton (57) and Kevin Sinclair (52 not out) weighed in with half-centuries to help propel their side to an already imposing 365-7 against West Indies Academy.
Fast bowler McKenny Clarke was lively and penetrative, as he claimed 3-89, including two wickets in the first session, which caused a temporary wobble. King then brought his natural attacking flair with 11 fours and two sixes off 148 balls in nearly 2-¾ hours.
“I am very happy to be playing red ball cricket again. It’s been a little while. It was great fun batting out there. It was an opportunity to not have any time restrictions and just be out there and enjoy it. It was fun up until the point I got out,” said King.
It was McCaskie who set the tone, putting on 55 for the first wicket with left-hander Tagenarine Chanderpaul (25) and then combining with King in a decisive 136-run, fourth wicket partnership.
McCaskie counted 13 fours and a six in an innings lasting 147 balls in nearly 3-¼ hours.
He lost Chanderpaul, lbw missing a forward defensive push at captain and seamer Nyeem Young (2-75) and then watched as Clarke knocked over Keacy Carty for 12 and captain Alick Athanaze without scoring in successive overs, to leave the innings wobbling on 82-3.
Any hopes WI Academy had of making further inroads were dashed, however, as Hamilton and Sinclair combined in a 74-run, sixth wicket stand to push the total beyond the 300 mark.
Hamilton, on 16 at tea, struck eight fours and a six off 100 balls, while Sinclair has so far faced 82 balls and belted seven fours and two sixes.
The match continues on Thursday from 10:00h (09:00h Jamaica Time). (CWI)
