Canadian international Nitish Kumar has complied a century in his first match for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, grabbing the attention of the Caribbean despite his team falling to a 31-run defeat in their opening CG Insurance Super50 Cup fixture.
Having previously spoken about his excitement about representing the Hurricanes to Emerging Cricket, Kumar has quickly became known to the Hurricanes fans and anybody watching the telecasts worldwide with a great second innings knock.
The Volcanoes batted first and scored 284 all out with a 119-run partnership between captain and West Indies International Sunil Ambris, and new Volcanoes recruit Kevin Stoute, setting the tone. Hurricanes player Quinton Boatswain was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 4-45 from his ten overs, though Stoute eventually went on to claim player of the match for his innings of 86, which consisted of six fours and four sixes, before chopping a ball from former USA international Hayden Walsh Junior onto his stumps.
Kumar found himself at the crease with the scoreboard reading 51-2 after nine overs in the second innings, teaming up with fellow debutant Ross Powell looking to build a foundation for the team to capitalise on. Powell looked assured at the crease for his 46 before the impressive Larry Edwards bowled him with a special delivery. After the fall of Powell, Kumar was again able to build partnerships with wicket-keeper batsman Amir Jangoo and captain Monticin Hodge. After bringing up his half-century during his stay at the crease, Kumar had already displayed his ability to run well between the wickets while also finding the boundary. However, the required run-rate was ever-climbing. After continuing to bat well and negotiating the nineties to complete a fantastic century, Kumar eventually fell to the impressive Keron Cottoy with Ryan John completing the catch.
Kumar’s innings of 112 off 106 balls was his fourth List A century and added to his already impressive Super50 career. Before this game, Kumar had played 28 Super50 matches scoring 833 runs at an average of 30.85 and a strike rate of 104.2 with five half-centuries and one century. If Kumar can maintain his form during this season for the Hurricanes, he will be one to watch during this year’s tournament.
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