Ali Khan defends 12 in final over, as TKR beat Tallawahs in thriller
– TKR to play Warriors tomorrow at Queen’s Park]
The mighty Trinbago Knight Riders recorded a thrilling two-run win over defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), at Kensington Oval.
Jamaica Tallawahs won the toss and opted to field first, producing a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Trinbago Knight Riders for a par 142-8 after 20 overs.
Debutant Kelvin Pitman had a stellar game as he took three wickets, including the prized scalp of Captain Kieron Pollard.
Waqar Salamkheil was Player of the Match in a low-scoring thriller
The Tallawahs had a bright start to their chase, but would lose four wickets in the first 10 overs to find themselves in trouble. Wrist-spinner Waqar Salamkheil and Andre Russell would prove decisive, taking five wickets between them and restricting runs as the Tallawahs faltered to 139-7, losing by just two runs.
The Jamaican franchise got off to an ideal start to the game with experienced seamer Mohammad Amir delivering an opening maiden over. Openers Martin Guptil and Mark Deyal would, however, bat through the powerplay and build a solid foundation to the Knight Riders innings with a 58-run partnership.
Kieron Pollard top-scored for TKR
The complexion of the tie and a super over would then completely change as the Knight Riders lost three wickets, including that of Nicholas Pooran, for just five runs. Pitman, on debut for the Tallawahs, took two of those wickets within the same over in a brilliant display. The Knight Riders attempts to accelerate the scoring were derailed as they would lose five wickets in the last five overs to finish on 142-8. Jamaica Tallawahs opened their chase with Captain Brandon King and Alex Hales, the duo also batting through the powerplay as they put on a 57-run partnership. King lost his wicket to the leg spin of Salamkheil; Jermaine Blackwood was also dismissed four balls later to a super Pooran catch, and when Shamarh Brooks departed the very next ball, the Tallawahs looked in trouble at 58-3.
Mohamed Amir impressed again with three wickets
More wickets would tumble and despite a late flurry of runs from Chris Green and Imad Wasim, they would ultimately lose by two runs in a nail-biting finish.
Trinbago Knight Riders will look to continue their winning form as they play their next four games in front of a home crowd. TKR will meet the Guyana Amazon Warriors, tomorrow, Tuesday, September 5 from 19:00h at Queen’s Park Oval.
