Gordon, Powell give Ja win over Ireland

Fast bowler Nicholson Gordon starred with the ball while captain Rovman Powell came good with the bat to help Jamaica defeat Ireland by five wickets in their 50-over warm-up game at Sabina Park yesterday.

Gordon claimed five wickets for 34 runs in nine excellent overs and three deliveries to help restrict the touring Ireland side to 234 all out in 48 overs and three balls. Powell then hit an aggressive unbeaten 82 to guide Jamaica to 235 for five in 38 overs and four balls.

Jamaica had been hit with several COVID-19 cases before a ball was bowled, meaning that a number of inexperienced players featured against international opposition.

That included Kensington opening batsman Leroy Lugg and former under-19 batsman Kirk McKenzie, along with rookie wicketkeeper Kimani Wilson, and all-rounder Abijai Mansingh.

After winning the toss, the Jamaicans held their own in the field by restricting the Irish to 69 for five in the first 17 overs, with Gordon removing the experienced openers William Porterfield, and captain Andrew Balbirnie, along with Andy McBrine and Curtis Campher.

Powell also proved useful with the ball, bagging three wickets, however, a late order fighting 82 from George Dockrell helped the Irish to post a decent total, with support coming from Simi Singh 29, and Mark Adair 25.

Set 235 to win, the Jamaicans got off to the worst possible start after losing McKenzie for a duck and Lugg for 16 with just 23 runs on the board.

West Indies T20 invitee Brandon King and Andre McCarthy then steadied the ship to take the home side past the 100 mark without further loss.

Both batsmen then fell within a run of each other soon after, with King getting 36 and McCarthy 48.

Powell then took matters into his own hands and blasted 4 fours and a six to guide the Jamaicans home with 11 overs to spare. Paul Palmer also supported with 33.

Assistant coach Andrew Richardson was pleased with the all-around cricket displayed by the Jamaica team.

"Good signs all around from the guys, with our senior players putting their hands up," he said. "Gordon bowled well and our spinners gave good support in the middle overs. It was most pleasing to see our senior batsmen, including captain Powell, getting starts and scoring runs."