Lewis slams record-breaking century

Lewis slams record-breaking century|Lewis slams record-breaking century
Associated Press / Ricardo Mazalan|Associated Press / Ricardo Mazalan

West Indies opening Twenty20 batsman Evin Lewis slammed a record-break century against India to win the one-off Twenty20 at Sabina Park, Jamaica last Sunday.

In pursuit of 191 for victory, the regional team staged the third-highest successful run chase in their history to win the game with nine balls to spare.

West Indies had recalled five of their star players, Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree for the game in a bid to remain the top Twenty20 side.

But the star batsman of the show was Lewis who dominated an 81-run, first wicket partnership with superstar Gayle who made only 18.

Lewis cracked an unbeaten 125 off a mere 62 deliveries adding 112 with Marlon Samuels in an unbroken stand with Samuels who was unbeaten of 36 off 29 deliveries.

With his 100, Lewis became only the third batsman to score two centuries in Twenty20 Internationals joining the illustrious company of Gale and New Zealand Brendon MeCullum.

The Trinidadian batsman also eclipsed Gayle’s 117 against South Africa 10 years ago for the highest score by a West Indian in Twenty20 Internationals and overtook Australian Shane Watson for the third-highest score.

India had posted a challenging total of 190 for 6. The opening pair of captain Virat Kholi and Sikhar Dhawan punished the Windies bowling attack to all parts of the ground scoring 54 off the first five overs. But after they departed, the scoring fell but still ended in a strong position.

West Indies’ Evin Lewis plays a shot during a T20I against India at Sabina Park cricket ground in Kingston, Jamaica, Sunday, July 9, 2017.
Associated Press / Ricardo Mazalan