Skipper Dwayne Bravo thanks Oval supporters

JELANI BECKLES

TRINBAGO Knight Riders (TKR) captain Dwayne Bravo was pleased with the overwhelming support that his team received during the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in the five matches played at the Queen's Park Oval, in St Clair.

TKR completed a successful run at home on Monday with a four-wicket win over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. The victory was TKR's fourth win out of five matches between August 7 to Monday at the Oval.

"Every one wish the finals was here because at the end of the day this is where the atmosphere is," Bravo said after Monday's game. "The people came out in their numbers, every game there is about 12 to 15 thousand people. To full the Oval is not easy especially on a weekday, on a Monday. I think the brand of cricket that we are playing encouraged the public to come out. We play with heart and soul, we play with a lot of passion and this is for the fans."

Bravo said his aim was to win three of their five matches at the Oval, so to win four was a plus."We played some good cricket so to get four out five is a bonus. At the first press conference I said I would be happy with three out of five, but to get the extra win I am happy."

The TKR skipper is hopeful his team could continue winning on the road. "We are on top of the table, now we just have to shift our focus because the road is going to be a lot more difficult. You have to play and travel, but I think my team is experienced enough and good enough to cope with any pressure outside."

Pakistani leg-spinner Shadab Khan has been one of the players of the tournament, but has been called up for national duty and will play no further part in the CPL. Bravo said it is tough to lose such an important player but said his squad has depth.

"It is a big blow. He is a world-class player, his presence alone is very important. He was our leading wicket-taker also, so we are going to miss him but he has national duties. We have the likes of Nikita Miller and other guys on the bench who are also very experienced."

Khan is currently the leading wicket-taker (before yesterday's St Lucia/Jamaica match) in the tournament with 10 scalps. TKR Bangladeshi off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also leave the squad due to national duty.

"Definitely we are going to try to get someone to come in. We might get a local player as well, but the management team and myself have to sit down and see who is available, that is another challenge. At the same time our bench is strong also, so it is just to see what options are there."