Twitter Reactions: Trinbago Knight Riders script history and win fourth CPL title by defeating St Lucia Zouks in the final

Trinbago Knight Riders scripted history by clinching their fourth Caribbean Premier League title by registering an impressive eight-wicket victory against St Lucia Zouks in the final of CPL 2020. Riders had never missed the playoffs and had topped the regular-season table in three of the last four seasons. They were the already the favourites to clinch the trophy this season.

After winning the toss, Kieron Pollard-led Riders put Zouks to bat first at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad. Both Riders and Zouks had booked their final berth after delivering a dominant performance in their respective semi-finals.

Trinbago Knight Riders restricted Jamaica Tallawahs to 107 for seven and then chased down the target to pave their way into the final. Zouks, on the other hand, were ruthless in their semi-final encounter against Guyana Amazon Warriors. Bowling out Guyana for 55 in just 13.4 overs, Zouks hunted down the target in 4.3 overs to cruise into CPL 2020 final. Riders won their all matches in CPL 2020 including the semi-final and final while Zouks eventually steered into the final after finishing third in the points table.

Kieron Pollard dazzled with the ball by scalping four wickets

After being put to bat first in the CPL 2020 final, Zouks suffered an early blow in the form of Rahkeem Cornwall. Ali Khan broke through Cornwall’s defence to give Riders an early breakthrough. After Cornwall’s departure, Mark Deyal (29), Andre Fletcher (39) and Roston Chase (22) kept the scoreboard ticking.

Zouks were 115/4 at one point but Chase’ dismissal led to their batting collapse. Najibullah Zadran played a vital 24-run knock at the end but he received no support whatsoever. No other batsman apart from Zadran ticked double figures in Zouks’ innings. In the end, they posted a 154-run on the scoreboard. Riders’ skipper Pollard dazzled with the ball as he scalped a four-wicket haul to derail Zouks’ in their run-scoring trail.

Talking about Riders’ run-chase, it was rather a cakewalk for Pollard and Co. Despite losing two early wickets in the form of Tion Webster and Tim Seifert, half-centuries by Lendl Simmons and Darren Bravo cruise them towards their fourth CPL trophy. Simmons smashed 84 off just 49 deliveries while Bravo stitched 58 off 47 balls against a hapless bowling attack of Zouks.

The Simmons-Bravo duo remained unbeaten as Riders hunted down the target with 11 deliveries to spare. In spite of Sunil Narine’s absence, Trinbago Knight Riders thumped Zouks in all three departments. Zouks started well but Pollard ruined their batting show before Simmons-Bravo pair stole the show. Twitter erupted with congratulatory wishes for Riders and many heaped praise on Pollard, Simmons and Bravo for their on-field heroics. Dinesh Karthik and Shahrukh Khan also joined the party to congratulate Pollard and his men for etching history and winning their fourth CPL title.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

https://twitter.com/IamIsrarHashmi/status/1304111329796665345