Former West Indies Under-19 captain and Saint Lucia top order batter, Kimani Melius, demonstrated his batting potential with a splendid record-breaking maiden hundred to lead Windward Islands Volcanoes’ domination of Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on Thursday at the Grenada National Stadium.
The 22-year-old, who led the West Indies Rising Stars at the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup, made a superb 192 – the highest score by a Saint Lucian in first-class cricket – as Volcanoes reached an impressive 393-7 in their second innings on the penultimate day of their opening round match in the West Indies Championship four-day first-class competition.
Volcanoes yesterday declared at 425 for 5 and at lunch time Trinidad and Tobago Red Force was 53 for two wickets.
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 century 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 then 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.
Along the way, Melius put on 209 for the second wicket with Hodge who faced 195 balls and struck six 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.