A delighted Kieron Powell credited the Sagicor High Performance Centre in making a big difference in his game as he celebrated his maiden Test century against New Zealand yesterday.

Powell showed his class with a high-quality maiden Test century yesterday, as the West Indies took control over New Zealand on the third day of the first Digicel Test.

The 22-year-old left-hander hit a stroke-filled 134 which formed part of the foundation as West Indies closed the day on 442-6, an overall lead of 91 on first innings with two days left. He featured in a record opening stand of 254 with Chris Gayle, who made a brilliant 150 on his return to the Test match arena.

The West Indies also got solid performances from Assad Fudadin, 55, his maiden half-century in Test cricket; and Narsingh Deonarine, who will resume on 54 on Saturday.

"The time at the Sagicor HPC has totally changed my game. It has been a massive boost to my cricket. It has helped me with both the technical side and mental side of my game. It has helped to refine my game and overall I am now a calmer person," Powell said.

Powell started the day on 58 not out and became the first graduate of the Sagicor High Performance Centre to make a Test century. He reached the landmark as he pulled a short, rising delivery from Neil Wagner through backward square leg for his 16th boundary. Overall, he batted for over six hours, faced 288 balls and hit 22 fours and a six. He was dismissed in the same over he cracked three consecutive boundaries off left-arm pacer Wagner.

The knock was Powell's third first-class century in the last two months, it followed 108 for West Indies against England Lions in early May and 139 for West Indies A against India A last month.

"Obviously, I'm delighted to get my first Test century. I felt I played really well and when I saw the ball going to the boundary I couldn't help but jump for joy. It felt really good and it's a moment to cherish. To get 100 runs in a Test match is something special," said Powell.