Caribbean Premier League T20: Aug 17-Sep 25, 2023 in Westindies - Page 20

Imran Tahir, in his Player of the Match interview, had this to say: (On his rich vein of form) It has been difficult here, especially when you bowl second. We did not have much dew to contend with in the first half. It is about experience, was trying to bowl dot balls. I am just pleased it came out the way I wanted and happier that I did my job for the team. (On bowling at the death) It is about bravery, I always believe in that. Did not want to give the ball to any of the junior guys to put pressure on them. All the boys bowled well. Odean was a little up-and-down but we are working on that.

Kieron Pollard, Trinbago Knight Riders captain: I think we got what we wanted out of the game. Keacy coming in and scoring runs. So many guys missing but still we got to 175. CPL is about giving opportunities. From a batting perspective, we got what we wanted out of it (this game). (On the score) In hindsight, you can look at the last two overs, we only got 12 runs. If we had gotten another 15-20 runs….but getting 100 runs in the last 10 overs was good. If we were better in the field, we could have made it tighter. (On Guptill's injury) We have to analyse and see what happens with him. He pulled up after the first run. (On the bowling) Hinds coming in and him executing was good. Mark got a couple of overs in as well. All in all, it was a very good game of cricket barring the fielding.

Imran Tahir, now speaking as the Guyana Amazon Warriors captain: (On the atmosphere) It is very electrifying. Gives me goosebumps every time. Love the passion that they have. Just want to appreciate them and want to thank them for coming out. (Context of this win) It was a win at the end of the way. We had to beat whoever was dished out in front of us. They did not play their big players but for us to win, gives us confidence. The brand of cricket we have been playing, we played it today. We have to move forward, in a humble way. We are enjoying each other's success. (On Smith opening) I am the kind of guy who likes to take challenges. People might be surprised (with so many different opening combinations). I see them working hard and we try different plans. I am sure it gives confidence to the players as well and pleased and very happy for him (Smith). (Ready to go again tomorrow?) Once you see the atmosphere here, you feel you are ready to go again.

Saint Lucia Kings need 135 runs in 50 balls

JT - 201/5 (20)

SLK - 67/7 (11.4)

CRR: 5.74

RR : 16.20

Batting R(B) 4s 6s SR

Matthew Forde* 9(8) 1 0 112.5

Alzarri Joseph 3(6) 0 0 50

Bowling O M R W

Chris Green* 3.4 0 13 4

Hayden Walsh 3 0 11 1

Jamaica Tallawahs vs Saint Lucia Kings, 29th Match

Saint Lucia Kings need 135 runs in 50 balls

END OF OVER 13

4 runs

SLK: 73/7

CRR: 5.61 • RRR: 18.42

Need 129 from 42b

MW Forde

13 (13)

AS Joseph

4 (9)

Imad Wasim

3-0-24-0

CJ Green

4-0-15-4

Jamaica Tallawahs won by 122 runs

JT - 201/5 (20)

SLK - 79 (15)

CRR: 5.27

Congrats JT. SLK poor performance

That's some way to storm into the playoffs. The Kings hardly turned up. Hales gave a great base for the Tallawahs and recorded a fine century to get back into big runs again. Imad gave great company towards the end to push past 200 and in reply just three batters from the Kings made it to double digits. Amir started the slide with two in his second over. Green was soon on a hat-trick and the Kings had no answers to spin of the Tallawahs. Seven wickets to spin.

Sikandar Raza | Kings captain: Everything went wrong. Credit to Jamaica, they were a lot more hungrier. We didn't turn up in any department if I am being honest. We did not apply ourselves. However, we can’t stoop any lower so the only way now is up. thought bowling first was the right decision, but if you don’t bowl to your plans, it won’t help. Credit to Hales for a brutal innings. We had to use the early moisture better with the ball. All the morning games are done, that’s the only positive. The boys now have time to relax and get back hungry. In franchise cricket, you feel every team is due a bad game. Our bad game is done and now we can turn up fresh for the qualifiers.

Imad Wasim | Tallawahs captain: (On Hales) He was fantastic, watching him from the non striker end was unbelievable. During the day is the best time to bat, once the surface gets dry it starts to turn. If we would have won the toss we would have batted first. We’ve got the momentum now and you never know what could happen. Last year was the same, we got the momentum late on. In cricket, momentum is key and now we are full of confidence. We look like a dangerous team to be honest.