GATHERING STEAM

CAPTAIN Rovman Powell credited Saim Ayub and a disciplined bowling plan as Jamaica Kingsmen held their nerve to beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 11 runs in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match at Warner Park, Basseterre, on Thursday.

The Pakistani hit 102 runs off 58 balls to rescue the Kingsmen from 4-63 from nine overs to post a total of 182 for 7 from 20 overs, then returned to take one for 20 runs as the Patriots were restricted to 171 for 6 from 20 overs.

The Kingsmen rebuilt through a 72-run, fifth-wicket stand, off 42 balls between Ayub and Powell, to steady the innings. Powell made 21 before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga. Ayub then added 29 with Keemo Paul for the sixth wicket, and 15 with Odean Smith for the seventh as Jamaica pushed to their total. Ayub hit six fours and eight sixes in his knock. Paul finished it with 25 not out off 13.