CPL 2020, Day 5: TKR, St Lucia Zouks claim victories
The Sunday double-header of the Caribbean Premier League witnessed Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks winning their respective matches. Notably, the Knight Riders clinched their third victory in as many matches, this time against Barbados Tridents. They had previously defeated Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs. In the second game, St Lucia handed a 10-run defeat to Warriors. Here are the key moments.
How did the matches pan out?
A combined effort by the middle-order helped the Knight Riders post 185/3 in the first innings. Although the Barbados Tridents openers started well, they were eventually restricted to 166/6. In the second game, Roston Chase's 51-ball 66 propelled St Lucia to 144/7 in a low-scoring affair. Despite a brilliant 68 from Nicholas Pooran, Guyana Amazon Warriors fell 10 runs short at the end.
Trinbago Knight Riders' batsmen stole the show
Colin Munro and Darren Bravo took the onus after the Knight Riders lost both the openers early on. Although Munro departed after scoring a well-compiled 50, Bravo continued with his assault. He remained unbeaten on 54 (36), having struck 4 fours and as many sixes. Meanwhile, skipper Kieron Pollard also chipped in with a 17-ball 41 and finished with a strike-rate of 241.18.
Holder's all-round effort falls short
Even as the Barbados Tridents lost the match, captain Jason Holder left no stone unturned. In the first innings, he took the priceless wicket of Lendl Simmons, which put the Tridents on top. Holder also fired with the bat as he scored 34* (19), however, he couldn't get his team home due to lack of support from the other end.
Chase hammers a 51-ball 66 for St Lucia
For St Lucia Zouks, all-rounder Roston Chase emerged as the lone warrior with none of the batsmen rising to the occasion. Notably, Chase steadied their ship after the top-three departed in quick succession. As the innings progressed, the 28-year-old was also supported by Mohammad Nabi (27) and Javelle Glenn (19). Chase was named the Player of the Match for his match-defining innings (66).
Kuggeleijn was the pick of St Lucia's bowlers
New Zealand speedster Scott Kuggeleijn is having a dream run in the tournament. He claimed three wickets against Guyana Amazon Warriors, conceding 24 runs. His bowling figures in the previous game against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots read 33/4. Interestingly, Kuggeleijn is so far the leading wicket-taker of 2020 CPL, having scalped ten wickets at an average of 12.70.
