More than any number, 100 has a special place in cricket, as an achievement to be celebrated and a measuring stick of quality.

A dream that Rovman Powell thought would remain a dream will be fulfilled in Chattogram, Bangladesh on Monday October 27, when he crosses the line for the 100th time for the West Indies in a T20 International match.

It’s a feat that only two other West Indians have achieved since the regional team played their very first encounter at Eden Park in Auckland against New Zealand in 2006.

Powell visualised playing for the Caribbean team from his childhood days in his district of Bannister in Old Harbour, St Catherine. In the corridors of schools, he would imagine himself walking onto the field to rippling applause and in a matter of hours, he will do so for the 100th time.

His 100th T20 International reflects his power to imagine, problem solve and evolve with the direction of the modern game, which sees him as only one of five West Indians to score a century in the format. However, he remains steadfast and grateful for every moment.

“I never imagined playing a hundred games whether it being the T20, ODI or in test cricket. To play a hundred games for West Indies is a privilege, and it's a testament of my hard work over the years.”

Powell’s fierce competitiveness and determination was built on the back of his childhood days in the rural community of Bannister, which became a driving force towards his goal of playing the sport professionally.

“Bannister is a small district, where small entrepreneurship is the way to go, sometimes resulting in more sellers than buyers.” Powell said, “With that, I realized that I don't want to just be a farmer, nor a farmer from the district. I wanted to go out and play cricket.”

The 32-year old’s journey began against Pakistan at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown Barbados in 2017, the scene of a breathtaking century against England in 2022.

The powerfully built right hander has also decorated his career with impressive match winning knocks along the way which sees him with 1925 runs in the format, only bettered by Nicholas Pooran who has 2275.

Powell is also on a healthy streak of 67 consecutive innings without a duck in T20 internationals, that is the 7th longest by any player. He holds the record for the highest individual score for the West Indies batting at number 6, with a blistering 79 not out against England in Southampton earlier this year.

For good measure, Powell’s flexibility and adaptability created room for him and Romario Shepherd to hold the record for the highest 8th wicket partnership for the regional team in T20s, valued at 67 off 43 balls.

Playing 100 games might be the pinnacle for some but for Powell, his representation is more than just on the field.

“I always felt that my success isn't just my success but for people of the younger generation, and those before me who wanted the same opportunities that I got but didn't," Powell shared.

“I want the younger generation to know that discipline and hard work conquer all. Putting yourself in an environment where you can maximize your talent along with having the discipline to train is very important, and I believe that discipline is doing the right things unsupervised.”

He's far from a one-dimensional player but when Rovman Powell graces the field for the 100th time in T20Is on Monday, he will complete more than just a mere dream but a desire to be more than a product of his environment.