Jamaica Kingsmen had their first win of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) when they outplayed Trinbago Knight Riders on Saturday night at Sabina Park. The home team, in their first season, recorded victory by five wickets with eight balls to spare. They batted with tremendous confidence and assuredness to reach 183-5 off 18.4 overs. This is the highest score in the tournament’s history to win batting second. It was in reply to a challenging 182-6 off 20 overs by the defending champions.
Kirk McKenzie, the left-handed opener, 69 off 25 balls – with 60 of those runs coming in boundaries – six fours and six sixes. He added 93 off just seven overs for the first wicket with Reeza Hendricks who made 37 off 29 balls. It provided the perfect platform and afterwards skipper Rovman Powell (29 not out) and Andre Russell (27) added 48 off 22 balls to ensure the home fans finally had something to celebrate. The result has given the Kingsmen a boost after three previous defeats, as they hope to get their season on track and push for one of the four playoff spots.
Earlier in the night, TKR were led by skipper Nicholas Pooran and veteran Kieron Pollard who both made 44 in a third wicket stand of 67. Pooran faced 32 balls and struck four sixes – including a fabulous switch-hit off a goolgy from left arm spinner Vital Lawes. The giant Pollard was characteristically powerful with three boundaries and four sixes off Lawes – who was taken to the cleaners and conceded 51 runs off his four overs.
The tournament continues on Sunday night when Barbados Tridents return to action for their second match. They face Saint Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet. Play starts at 7 p.m.
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