Barbados Tridents moved to the top of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League table after defeating St Lucia Kings by nine runs at the Darren Sammy Stadium on Sunday.
The Tridents posted 177 for five in the rain-reduced 18-over contest before restricting the Kings to 168 for seven to secure their second win in as many matches.
Player of the Match Sherfane Rutherford led the charge with 61 from 31 balls, including three fours and five sixes. Opener Brandon King made 39 from 28 deliveries, while Quinton de Kock added 28 from 15.
For the Kings, captain Roston Chase took two for 30 and Shadley van Schalkwyk two for 25.
In reply, Akeem Auguste struck 63 from 34 balls, while Chase made 34 and Matthew Forde finished unbeaten on 24 from 17 deliveries.
Gudakesh Motie took three for 22 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman two for 27 for the Tridents.
Captain Chris Green was pleased with the result but admitted the Tridents were still some way from their best.
“It certainly wasn’t a polished performance. I think we’ve had two games now go right down to the back end, and particularly with the ball being ahead of the game for a long period of time, we’ve let the team back in, but there’s also been some good batting.
“I thought the left-hander batted really well and then took them to a position at the back end where they could be dangerous, but the senior players for us with the bat, King, De Kock and Rutherford are in tremendous form, so hopefully they can keep going,” Green explained.
The newly installed captain said the mood in the Barbados camp was also positive following their strong start to the competition.
“I think the results obviously help. It certainly doesn’t dictate the feeling regardless of winning or losing, but I feel like we’re a close-knit group.
“Even last year when I came in late, the group was really close together, and I feel like that’s a credit to the management and all the players that keep their emotions in check, knowing that the game can swing either way.”
Green continued: “We obviously had a great start to this tournament, winning two from two on the road. We know it’s gonna be harder, but as we get back to Barbados, hopefully we can play our best cricket towards the back end. (It’s) too early to get excited about being top of the table.”
Kings captain Chase said his team was edged out in a close contest.
“Well, I thought we initially gave them 10 to 15 runs too much, but having said that, I thought that when we went out to bat we started well and were on target, but then we lost our way a bit and we didn’t get there in the end.”
Chase also paid tribute to the fans who turned out in large numbers at the Darren Sammy Stadium.
“Yeah, the fans have been great for us. I want them to continue coming out and supporting us. We love to see the fans in the stands in the blue, and it gives us energy. It gives us that passion to go out there and try to do our best. I just want them to keep coming out and supporting us.”
(KH)
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