Barbados Tridents finally won and broke their 3-match losing streak in the CPL 2020.
Yesterday, they beat Jamaica Tallawahs but not without breaking into a sweat.
The defending champions Barbados lost the toss and decided to bat first but started badly.
In no time, they were reduced to 20 for 2.
But from here on, they found 2 men who put their hands up and made it count – Kyle Mayers and skipper Jason Holder.
The pair batted sensibly and brought some stability to the innings.
Explosive Mayers
Holder was soon dismissed but Mayers continued to rebuild and eventually scored an invaluable 83.
It took just 59 balls. He reserved his best for medium pacers, slamming 8 sixes during his innings.
The highlight was the way he tamed Carlos Brathwaite whose 18th over went for 28 runs.
In the process, Mayers reached his maiden T20 half-century.
The silver lining was the bowling of the Tallawahs’ spinning duo – Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane who bowled splendidly.
While Rahman gave away just 14 runs and picked three wickets, Lamichhane had figures of 2 for 16 in four overs.
Even Mayers looked flummoxed by the spinners, managing a combined 11 off 24 balls against Lamichhane and Mujeeb.
However, Tallawahs made a mess while chasing.
Targeting 149 for a win, the Tallawahs never looked in control as their batters struggle to negotiate with the turn and bounce at the Queen’s Park Oval.
Kiwi Mitchell Santner and Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan grabbed two wickets apiece.
All the bowlers shared the spoils.
Skipper Jason Holder and compatriot Raymon Reifer also chipped in with two wickets each.
Nkrumah Bonner tried to fight back and was the top scorer for the Tallawahs with 31 runs.
Rovman Powell, the Tallawahs captain, admitted that the sudden injury to Andre Russell had affected the team. However, he was optimistic and hoped to have him back “for the back end” of the CPL.
But the Tallawahs can’t keep relying on one player and other team mates need to step up too.
And they better do it fast!
Cover image credit: CPL T20
