Powell willing to shepherd Jamaica

Jamaica Scorpions captain Rovman Powell credits the evolution of his all-around ability with being a better leader for the respective Jamaican franchises.

Powell is currently at the helm for the Jamaica Scorpions, after guiding Jamaica Tallawahs to the Caribbean Premier League title recently.

In a day/night match yesterday, Scorpions racked up their first win of the Super50 Cup following a 64-run win over Barbados Pride at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Powell played the quintessential captain's knock of 80 off 54 balls to guide the Scorpions to a respectable total of 277 for six off their allotted 50 overs.

During that knock, Powell hit four fours and five sixes as the skipper led the recovery after Scorpions were 138 for three in the 32nd over.

"I always knew I can hit sixes, so the key was for me to bat as many balls and then get the momentum towards the back end of the innings. I came in with a game plan and I stuck to it because the majority of the time as a batter when you stick to your game plan, you get success," said Powell.

Powell added 24 runs with wicketkeeper Aldane Thomas, then shared in an impressive 90-run sixth-wicket partnership with Odean Smith, which helped to spruce up the Scorpion's score.

For Powell, his role as a leader has helped him to tailor his batting style, which has benefitted Scorpions.

"Gone are the days when I would just go on the wicket and try to hit sixes, now I am getting a little bit older so I have to shepherd a little bit more weight and do more with the bat," said Powell.

Nkrumah Bonner with 59 from 81 balls and Smith with 44 not out from 35 balls, also contributed with the bat.

Powell also sent down eight overs and picked up one wicket for 36 runs as the Scorpions restricted the Pride to 213 in 44.1 overs, despite 86 from Shai Hope and 57 from Roston Chase.

"I have always regarded myself as an all-rounder but, for the past few years, I have done more batting than bowling, so now I am the captain of Jamaica, I am trying my best to see how much I can give to my country in both departments," Powell said.

Nicholson Gordon was the pick of the bowlers for the Scorpions bagging three wickets for 21 runs while there were two wickets each for Jeavor Royal, Smith and Dennis Bulli.