The Jamaica Kingsmen secured their fourth victory of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders yesterday by seven runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method at Queen’s Park Oval.
Rain ended the match just short of 15 overs into Jamaica’s pursuit of 181, with the visitors ahead of the revised target when play was abandoned. It was their second consecutive win as they continued to recover from a slow start to the tournament.
Earlier, the Knight Riders posted 180 for six, led by half-centuries from Sunil Narine, Colin Munro and Nicholas Pooran.
Narine and Munro continued their impressive form by adding 101 runs for the first wicket. It was their second productive opening partnership in as many nights, taking their combined tally across the two matches to 197 runs.
Narine registered his second consecutive half-century before he was removed by Keemo Paul. Munro went on to record his first fifty of the season and moved to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring chart.
The Knight Riders appeared well placed at 120 for one before Vitel Lawes delivered a crucial three-wicket maiden in the 14th over.
Munro edged behind to wicketkeeper Usman Khan, while Kieron Pollard was caught at cover after being deceived by some grip and turn. Matthew Tromp then skied a catch which was safely taken by Khan.
Pooran prevented Jamaica from completely seizing control, blasting an unbeaten 60 from 37 balls. He finished the innings strongly by striking Paul for six as the hosts reached a challenging total.
The Kingsmen responded positively, ending the PowerPlay on 54 for one. Kirk McKenzie led the early charge with 30 before he was caught at long-off from the bowling of Jyd Goolie.
Rain forced the players from the field three balls later, but play resumed approximately an hour afterwards without any reduction in overs.
Keacy Carty kept the chase moving before he was dismissed by Usman Tariq, who continued his impressive tournament with another important breakthrough.
A second heavy shower eventually brought the contest to a premature end. Jamaica had moved seven runs above the DLS par score and were awarded the victory.
The Knight Riders have two matches remaining in their home leg, against the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
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