CPL 2017, Match 23, JT vs STS, Review: Kumar Sangakkara special keeps Stars winless

Jamaica Tallawahs registered their fifth victory as they rode on Sangakkara’s excellent knock of 74* which helped them chase down 172 with utter ease. The home side, Tallawahs defeated St Lucia by 6 wickets in the 23rd match of the Caribbean Premier League this year.

Tallawahs won the toss as the coin went up and inserted the visitors to bat first. Sangakkara kept faith in the same set of bowlers which went for runs in the last game and St. Lucia brought back Sammy and Samuels and also included young Obed McCoy in search of their first win. This was an important game for the home team as they looked to increase the gap between their competitors Barbados as the visitors aimed to salvage some pride.

Andre Fletcher came out with a new partner in Rahkeem Cornwall as the stars hoped for a better start this time around. But the experiment didn’t work as Santokie dismissed Cornwall in the third over. The skipper Watson then strode out to consolidate the innings once again. He looked to settle himself as the stars lost Fletcher and Samuels in quick succession to leave their side reeling at 60/3 in 9th over. The regular opener Charles came in at 5 as he looked to resurrect the innings with the skipper.

Watson special leads Stars to a competitive total

Both Watson and Charles brought their back on track as they were benefited with the sloppy fielding of Tallawahs. Charles was sent packing in the 14th over as the Australian decided to take on the bowlers. Shane Watson took a special liking to Rovman Powell and then Sami to fetch 15 and 14 runs respectively off the bowlers. The skipper led from the front as he made 80 off just 45 deliveries which comprised of 3 fours and 7 towering maximums before being dismissed in the 19th over. St. Lucia scored a massive 172/8 in their quota of 20 overs thanks to the drop catches of Watson.

The Chase…

Simmons and Phillips started off cautiously to the chase but the former was fluffed by Jerome Taylor in front of the stumps. Then came Sangakkara, the forever legend, to take the control of the innings. The scoreboard started to move briskly as they took the advantage of the fielding restrictions. Cornwall bowled some excellent and tidy overs in the middle which scared the home side for some time. The bowler was superb as he gave away only 20 runs and scalped the dangerous Phillips.

The in-form McCarthy joined the skipper to steady the chase as Tallawahs came in sight of the victory. Taylor was then taken to the cleaners as Sangakkara took him on by hitting 2 fours and a six in the 15th over. The batsmen continued with the same aggression as Tallawahs won easily by six wickets despite Watson picking McCarthy in the 16th over. Sangakkara alike the opponent skipper played magnificently and stayed unbeaten till the end. He scored a crafty 74* off 45 and his innings was studded with 9 fours and 3 sixes.

With the virtue of this victory, Jamaica have made their claims strong for the playoffs. They now have 10 points from 8 games as they have almost qualified now. St. Lucia, on the other hand, went down for the 9th consecutive match as their bottom place is confirmed in the league. Jamaica have a quick turn around as they face the table toppers Trinbago Knight Riders on Sunday at home. St. Lucia will play their final game of the season to end their misery against Barbados Tridents on 31st August.

Brief Scores:

St.Lucia Zouks and Stars 172/8 in 20 overs (S Watson 80 (45b, 3×4, 7×6); Garey Mathurin 2/26, Krishmar Santokie 2/33)

Jamaica Tallawahs 176/4 in 19 overs (K Sangakkara 74* (45b, 9×4, 3×6); A McCarthy 36 (32b, 1×4, 3×6); Rahkeem Cornwall 1/20, Shane Watson 1/26)

Jamaica Tallawahs won by 6 wickets

Kumar Sangakkara was awarded the Man of the Match.