Match Report: Jamaica Tallawahs beat Trinbago Knight Riders by 4 wickets in CPL 2018

CPL 2018 (CPL via Getty Images.)

Aug.11 - A virtuoso all-round performance from skipper Andre Russell propelled Jamaica Tallawahs to the unlikeliest of victories over reigning Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions Trinbago Knight Riders as records tumbled on a crazy night at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Match Summary

Jamaica Tallawahs 225/6 (Russell 121*, Lewis 52, Ali Khan 3/24, Fawad Ahmed 2/46)

Trinbago Knight Riders 223/6 (Munro 61, McCullum 56, Lynn 46, Russell 3/31) 

The Tallawahs appeared absolutely dead and buried when they slumped to 41/5 in response to TKR’s Hero CPL record score of 223/6. But Russell had other ideas as he blasted his way to a quite ridiculous 40-ball century having earlier taken a hat-trick at the back end of the Knight Riders’ own extraordinary innings.

There appeared little to concern the Knight Riders when the big all-rounder was dropped first ball by Ali Khan, but it would prove to be the most dramatic of turning points as Russell launched a calculated but brutal assault on the Trinbago bowling attack.

Favouring the leg-side but also striking spinners and seamers alike down the ground with a seemingly unstoppable combination of exquisite ball-striking and sheer brute force, Russell bent the game to his will.

Initially it restored some pride. Then it made the game appear close. Then it made the game actually close. Then, finally, it clinched the most astonishing and unlikely win in Hero CPL – and perhaps all T20 – history.

Two of Russell’s sixes cleared not only the ropes but also the Queen’s Park Oval stands. Dwayne Bravo shuffled his bowling options but could not stop the flow as six after six rained down on a disbelieving crowd in Trinidad.

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