Pollard’s Half-Century Earns Him Player of the Match

GOS ISLET: Kieron Pollard’s dynamic half-century, along with impressive bowling spells from Usman Tariq and Mohammad Amir, guided the Trinbago Knight Riders to an 18-run triumph against the St. Lucia Kings in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) encounter held in Gros Islet this Saturday.

After winning the toss, St. Lucia Kings captain David Wiese chose to field first, a gamble that didn’t pay off. The Knight Riders managed to set a target of 183/7 in their 20 overs.

Experienced all-rounder Kieron Pollard led the batting charge with a rapid 65 from just 29 deliveries, which included a staggering six sixes and four boundaries.

Opener Colin Munro made a valuable contribution with 43 runs off 30 balls, hitting one six and five fours. Skipper Nicholas Pooran added 34 runs from 30 balls, which included two sixes and one four.

Apart from these performances, the remaining batsmen failed to make a significant impact, with Alex Hales scoring 10 and McKenny Clarke contributing 12 runs.

For the Kings, Keon Gaston stood out as the most effective bowler, securing 2 wickets for 38 runs in his three overs. Oshane Thomas, David Wiese, Roston Chase, and Tabraiz Shamsi each took one wicket.

In their chase of 184, the Kings struggled and were only able to reach 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Johnson Charles put up a fight with 47 runs off 37 balls, which included three sixes and four fours, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team’s defeat.

Tim Seifert scored 35 runs from 24 balls, hitting two sixes and two fours, while Delano Potgieter (24) and Ackeem Auguste (20) offered some support, but their efforts proved futile.

Usman Tariq was the standout bowler for the Knight Riders, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs in his four overs. Andre Russell also took 2 wickets for 38 runs in four overs.

Mohammad Amir captured 1 wicket for 32 runs, while Akeal Hosein took 1 wicket for 41 runs. Kieron Pollard’s explosive half-century earned him the Player of the Match award.