TKR 175/7 in 20 Overs [Kieron Pollard 42(27), Andre Russell 31(12); Maheesh Theekshana 3/35 in 4 Overs] beat BR 145/9 [Alick Athanaze 44(33), David Miller 30(15); Akeal Hosein 3/15 in 4 Overs] by 30 runs.
The Trinbago Knight Riders clashed against the Barbados Royals in their final home game of the season with a top 2 finish on the line. TKR aimed to bounce back strongly after a loss in the previous game. Their record against BR was encouraging for TKR to go out there and dominate the proceedings. Both teams looked for the important win as now the race was about finishing in the top 2 to secure an extra chance to reach the finale. TKR fans geared up to roar for their team one last time at their home ground.
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TKR were put into bat first on a pitch which seemed to have some assistance for the bowlers. The TKR batters looked forward to stitching big partnerships and scoring with an aggressive mindset. However, TKR lost both their openers early putting them in a spot of bother. Nicholas Pooran looked to counterattack for TKR but his innings was cut short after a rollicking start. It was all upon skipper Kieron Pollard and Keacy Carty who stitched a great partnership helping TKR rebuild their innings. Pollard unleashed his shots once he settled in and smashed the bowlers to all parts of the ground. A hattrick of Pollard’s sixes against Keshav Maharaj helped TKR shift the momentum. Pollard was soon joined by Andre Russell who laid out a blockbuster innings as he smashed 31 runs off just 12 runs. Both these quick-fire innings not only rebuilt the TKR innings but it powered them to a competitive total of 175. The onus was now upon the bowlers to help TKR defend this total and pick up the crucial victory.
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TKR commenced the defense of their target in the most outstanding fashion as Akeal Hosein yet again picked up a wicket in the very first over. The wicket boosted the confidence of the TKR bowlers as they continued to bowl accurate lines and lengths. Akeal also managed to pick up the crucial wicket of Quinton De Kock which put TKR in a position of advantage in this game. Akeal was able to pick 3 wickets and gave away just 15 runs which turned the course of the game completely. The other TKR bowlers soon came into the wickets column as well. The bowlers never allowed the momentum to shift away despite the best efforts of the BR batters. The spin of Waqar Salamkheil and the mastery of Terrance Hinds sealed the final nail in the coffin as both dismissed David Miller and Rovman Powell respectively. TKR went on to win by 30 runs courtesy of a brilliant all-round performance by the TKR bowlers. This win will ensure that TKR’s NRR goes up and they also move closer towards the top 2 finish. An incredible performance from batters as well as bowlers should fill TKR with confidence as they move into the knockout stages.
