Rovman Powell hit a sensational century to guide the West Indies to a 20-run victory over England in the third Twenty20 International tonight at Kensington Oval here in Barbados.
The 28-year-old Jamaican smashed 10 sixes and four boundaries to score 107 – his maiden hundred in T20 cricket on a flat track pitch.
Man-of-the-match Powell and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran (70) put on quite a show for the fully vaccinated spectators at the region’s mecca, with sublime power-hitting to reach a partnership of 122.
It was Pooran’s fifth T20 half-century and Powell’s highest score ever as the West Indies hit 224-5 – the largest total at Kensington Oval in the shortest format.
In reply, wicketkeeper/batsman Tom Banton (73) hit his second T20 half-century while Phil Salt had a cameo of 57 but England fell short of the target as the West Indies took a 2-1 series lead.
All-rounder Romario Shepherd recorded career-best bowling figures of 3-59. The series continues on Saturday and Sunday.
Summarised scores:
West Indies 224 for five off 20 overs (Rovman Powell 107, Nicholas Pooran 70, Romario Shepherd 11 n.o., Shai Hope 10). England 204-9 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 73, Phil Salt 57, James Vince 16, Liam Livingstone 11, Harry Brook 10; Romario Shepherd 3-59, Kieron Pollard 2-31). West Indies won by 20 runs. (AGB)