(CMC) – Former West Indies Under-19 captain Kimani Melius underlined his immense potential with a splendid record-breaking maiden hundred, to lead Windward Islands Volcanoes’ domination of Trinidad and Tobago Red Force yesterday. The 22-year-old, who led the Young Windies at the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup, plundered 192 – the highest score by a St Lucian in first class cricket – as Volcanoes racked up an impressive 393 for seven in their second innings on the penultimate day of their opening round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship.
Kavem Hodge provided support with 80 while captain Alick Athanaze struck an unbeaten 49 and the experienced Sunil Ambris, 42 not out, but it was Melius who stood out with his superb effort.
Resuming the morning on 39 with Volcanoes on 62 without loss, Melius faced 269 deliveries and struck 18 fours and three sixes. He reached his hundred off 128 balls in just under 2-¾ hours when he clipped the third delivery before lunch from off-spinner Bryan Charles (2-92) behind square for two. He moved to 150 off 191 balls in four hours at the crease with a single to fine leg off seamer Terrance Hinds, nearly an hour before 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. Along the way, Melius put on 209 for the second wicket with Hodge who faced 195 deliveries and struck half-dozen fours, before adding a further 49 for the third wicket with Athanaze whose 92-ball knock contained four fours. Once Melius was dismissed, Athanaze combined in a 72-run, unbroken fourth wicket partnership with Ambris who once again played aggressively, striking two fours and a six in a 38-ball cameo.
Overall, Volcanoes lead by 325 runs heading into tomorrow’s final day at the Grenada National Stadium.
