Jamaican opener Chris Gayle struck the first century of the 2001 edition of the Red Stripe Bowl in the very first match at the Alpart Sports Club in Jamaica. Gayle and fellow opener Leon Garrick took maximum advantage of the favourable toss with a 113-run stand for the first wicket. Garrick scored 46 before perishing to off-spinner Shane Shillingford.

Gayle went on to complete his century in the company of Marlon Samuels, smashing nine fours and four sixes in his final total of 119 off 137 balls. His innings was the backbone of a formidable Jamaican total of 267 for five.

Northern Windwards, half of last year's champions following the split- up of Windward Islands into two teams, was outclassed completely during its batting effort. Warren Medwynter and Jermaine Lawson picked up three wickets apiece to leave the side reeling at 26 for six. Northern Windwards folded timidly for a total of 103, giving Jamaica a victory by 164 runs.

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