KINGSTON, Jamaica – A captain’s knock by Rovman Powell led Jamaica Scorpions to a spectacular win over the touring Ireland team at Sabina Park, on Wednesday.

The powerful right-hander made 82 not out off 63 balls as Jamaica motored to a victory target of 235-5 off 38.5 overs. This was after Ireland were bowled out for 234 off 48.5 overs.

Powell smashed the ball to all parts of the historic venue as his half-entury came off 48 balls and included two fours and five sixes. He continued to take on the bowlers and struck another two boundaries and a maximum as he took the young Jamaica side to an easy triumph against their more experienced opponents.

Powell shared a crucial 94-run partnership with left-hander Paul Palmer Jr, who made 33 off 40 balls with three fours and a six on his 30th birthday. They took the score from 107-4 in the 21st over to 201-5 when Palmer was beaten and bowled by a brilliant yorker from Josh Little, the left-arm quick bowler.

The run chase was well set up by Brandon King (36) and Andre McCarthy (48) who rescued the innings from 23-2 in the seventh over, with an aggressive third-wicket partnership of 83 in 13 overs.

Earlier, fast bowler Nicholson Gordon generated pace and bowled accurately and was rewarded with a five-wicket haul. The former West Indies U19 player ended with 5-34 off 9.3 overs to have Ireland struggling at 100-6 in the 21st over.

The innings was rescued by a purposeful innings of 82 off 107 balls from George Dockrell, at Number 7. He shared a 50-run stand with Simi Singh (29) and another worth 55 with Mark Adair (25).

Ireland will now continue their preparation to face West Indies in the CG Insurance One-Day International Series, which starts tomorrow at Sabina Park. First ball is 09:30hrs (10:30hrs Eastern Caribbean). (CWI)