TKR crush Tallawahs in CPL semi

TRINBAGO KNIGHT Riders (TKR) stormed into the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals by cruising to an emphatic nine-wicket win over Jamaica Tallawahs in the first semi-final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Tuesday.

Sent in to bat, the Tallawahs were blitzed with mesmerising spells from TKR’s bowling attack and were restricted to just 107 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Nkrumah Bonner showed the most resistance with his knock of 42 while skipper Rovman Powell (33) also had a good display.

Akeal Hosein did the most damage with the ball as he picked up three wickets for 14 runs from his complement of four overs. Fellow left-arm spinner Khary Pierre also spun a web around the Tallawahs batsmen with 2/29 while off-spinner Sunil Narine (1/13) and leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed (1/29) also contributed nicely.

In their turn at the crease, TKR made light work of the low target and raced to 111 for one after 15 overs courtesy an unbroken partnership of 97 from opening batsman Lendl Simmons (54 not out) and Tion Webster (44 not out).

For his heroics with the ball, Hosein captured the Man of the Match honours.

Tuesday’s victory saw TKR match the 2019 Guyana Amazon Warriors’ 11-match unbeaten run and secure another shot at the prestigious CPL T20 title.

The second semi-final between St Lucia Zouks and Guyana Amazon Warriors bowls off at the same venue from 5.30 pm on Tuesday while the championship match is scheduled for Thursday.

Summarised Scores – JAMAICA TALLAWAHS 107/7 (20 overs) – Nkrumah Bonner 41, Rovman Powell 33, Carlos Brathwaite 13 not out; Akeal Hosein 3/14, Khary Pierre 2/29, Sunil Narine 1/13, Fawad Ahmed 1/29 vs TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS 111/1 (15 overs) – Lendl Simmons 54 not out, Tion Webster 44 not out. TKR won by nine wickets. Man of the Match: Akeal Hosein.