Lendl Simmons smashed 70 runs off 45 balls to earn his side their 3rd win of the tournament. Brathwaite and Wasim’s late flourish for Jamaica Tallawahs goes in vain.
Jamaica Tallawahs, who were forced to bat first, got off to a horrendous start as they were reeling at 15/5 at the end of the powerplay phase. Ravi Rampaul (2 off 26) and Akeal Hosein (2 off 12) were simply sensational in their first spells.
Thanks to their deep batting line-up, Jamaica avoided an embarrassing batting collapse. Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim (42 off 38) and Carlos Brathwaite (58 off 40) added up 83 runs for the 6th wicket partnership.
Isuru Udana, who had a match to forget, broke the partnership by dismissing Wasim. However, that brought Andre Russell to the crease, who scored a quickfire 20 off just eight balls. At the end of 20 overs, the scoreboard read 144/7, which was a stupendous effort after their abysmal start.
Simmons finally came to the party for the 4-time champions. His 70-run knock was decorated with five fours and five sixes. The former-Mumbai Indians batsman put together a 102 run stand with Colin Munro (34 off 34) and virtually took the game away from the Tallawahs.
Imad Wasim (2 for 19) produced a superb all-round performance to add to the 42 runs he scored in the first innings. Throughout the second innings, the result was in no doubt, and the Knight Riders reached the total with 17 balls to spare.
This win means that the Riders are back into the top 4. Meanwhile, Tallawahs will have to go back to the drawing board as they are in danger of not qualifying for the semi-finals.
Brief Scores
Jamaica Tallawahs 144/7 in 20 overs (Carlos Brathwaite 58, Imad Wasim 42; Akeal Hosein 2/12, Ravi Rampaul 2/26) lost to
Trinbago Knight Riders: 145/3 in 17.1 overs (Lendl Simmons 70, Colin Munro 34; Imad Wasim 2/19, Migael Pretorius 1/39)
Man of the Match
Lendl Simmons
