CPL 2017, Match 24, JT vs TKR, Review: Brendon McCullum murders the Jamaican bowling as the visitors maintain top spot

Match 24 of the 5th edition of the Caribbean Premier League saw the Jamaica Tallawahas take on the Trinbago Knight Riders at Jamaica. In a high scoring encounter, the Shah Rukh Khan owned franchise overcame the hosts to pick up yet another victory in the tournament. The Knight Riders have just lost one match in the tournament playing 9 games, which gives us a perfect example of their incredible form.

Batting first, Dwayne Bravo’s men put up a mammoth total of 208 on the scoreboard at the cost of 6 wickets in their 20 designated overs. Brendon McCullum was the star of the show once again as the Kiwi showstopper played a rampant knock of 91 runs from just from 62 balls. The retired international bulldozed the Jamaica bowling line up with his willow as he hit 5 fours and 6 towering maximums on his way to 91. The tremendous knock gives us the proof that the veteran cricketer has still got a lot of cricket left in him.

McCullum was brilliantly supported by his countryman Colin Munro who is also renowned for his power hitting capabilities. Munro smashed 42 crucial runs from just 24 deliveries which saw the Knight Riders wreck havoc in the Jamaica camp. His innings consisted of 2 fours and 3 sixes as he man handled the bowlers. Darren Bravo chipped in with 28 runs of his but all the other batsmen who got a chance to bat failed to make it big. However, the damage done by McCullum and Munro was enough to take the Knight Riders to a hefty total.

There was nothing much about the Jamaica bowlers as they fell victim to the Kiwi duo. Krishmar Santokie was their best bowler picking up two wickets in his 4 overs. However, he conceded 49 runs in his spell.

The run chase:

The Jamaica Tallawahs were struck with a huge blow early into their run chase as Glenn Phillips went back to the pavilion for a duck. Lendl Simmons and skipper Kumar Sangakkara did well to carry on the revival act. The skipper played a gutsy 53 run inning facing 36 deliveries. Sangakkara, who has always been known for his flawless stroke play, hammered 6 fours and 2 sixes in his innings. Lendl Simmons contributed with a quick fire 32 from 19 balls hitting 3 maximums and a solitary boundary.

Contributions also came from Rovman Powell and Andre McCarthy who scored 30 and 21 runs respectively but unfortunately could not stay until the end to take their team past the target. All the other batsmen failed to make a mark in the match as the team finished their innings at 172 runs at the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs. It was valiant run chase which fell 36 runs short of their goal.

Javon Searles was prolific with the ball for the Trinbago team as he picked up 3 wickets to his name. In his 3 overs, the bowler gave away 27 runs. Brendon McCullum was rightly presented the Man of the Match award for his ruthless display with the bat. The Kiwi has been absolutely crucial for the team in this campaign and will continue to do so in the rest of the tournament.

The Trinbago Knight Riders maintain their position at the top of the table with 8 wins from 9 games and with 16 points. The second placed St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are 5 points behind them with 11 points to their name. The Jamaica team is not far behind as they occupy the third spot on the table. Sangakkara and his men have 10 points to their name as the tournament approaches the knock out stages.

Brief Scores:

Trinbago Knight Riders 208/6 (Brendon McCullum 91, Colin Munro 42, Krishmar Santokie 2/49)

Jamaica Tallahwahs 172/7 (Kumar Sangakkara 53, Lendl Simmons 32, Javon Searles 3/27)