GAW 148/7 in 20 Overs [Romario Shepherd 51*(24); Waqar Salamkheil 2/19 in 4 overs] lost to TKR 149/5 in 19.2 Overs [Andre Russell 36*(15), Tim David 31*(24); Nathan Sowter 2/37 in 4 overs] by 5 wickets
The Trinbago Knight Riders returned to their home at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad to battle against the Guyana Amazon Warriors. After a successful away stint, TKR were ready and raring to be back to playing at their home. This game against GAW was special because it saw the Champion DJ Bravo receive a guard of honor from all TKR players and he got the hero’s welcome he deserved. As a tribute to his legacy, TKR fielded a special jersey with Bravo’s iconic number 47 and ‘Thank You DJ’ written on the backs. TKR were eager to make this night even more special with a comprehensive victory.
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TKR opted to bowl first which has been a pattern for them throughout the season and they have been a happy chasing side. They took the field with an intent to pick up early wickets and keep the pressure on the GAW batters. As has been the story all season long, Akeal Hoseinpicked up the first breakthrough for TKR as he knocked Kevin Sinclair’s stumps over. This wicket helped TKR get into a different momentum altogether as they kept the overs tight and continued to pick up the wickets. All innings long, it was the TKR spinners who dominated the play with Sunil Narine and Waqar Salamkheil spinning a web around the GAW batters. Champion DJ Bravo also picked up a crucial wicket and brought out the iconic ‘Champion’ celebration which the fans were eager to see. TKR aimed to restrict the Warriors to as low as possible, however a lower order blitz from Romario Shepherd propelled GAW to a competitive total of 148. It was all upon the TKR batters now to chase this total down and clinch victory.
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The TKR openers Sunil Narine and Shaqkere Parris came out with an aim to start the run-chase with an aggressive intent. However, TKR lost Narine early as Parris and Keacy Carty joined up to stabilize the innings. They stitched a crucial partnership, but both fell in quick time leaving two new batters at the crease. TKR stuttered in the run chase as they kept on losing wickets. At one point they were reduced to 89-5 and GAW looked to put this game in their bag. However, Andre Russell and Tim David had different plans as both of them got right into work and started smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. Dre-Russ stood tall and did what he always does - smash sixes to all parts of the ground. Tim David, who was on his TKR debut, stood up to his reputation, took responsibility and helped TKR seal the win. Both took the game deep right till the final over where anything seemed possible with 12 to get off 6 balls. But, Tim David just blasted two sixes of the first two balls to finish things off for TKR. This is the second time the Knight Riders have clinched victory from the jaws of defeat and they will be extremely happy with new heroes standing tall for them in every game. The spectators were treated to an incredible game of cricket with TKR sealing a win to remember.
