Tallawahs move one step closer to possible title defence, following 5-wicket win over Kings

Sep 20, 2023 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs made light work of the St. Lucia Kings, who suffered a 5-wicket loss during last night’s eliminator at Providence, as they now set sights on possibly having the honor of defending their Championship.

The Kings were never in the contest, having being steamrolled for 125-9 by the time 20 overs ended. Spin was the weapon of choice for the Tallawahs, led by a magical performance from Fabian Allen, who snared 4-25, with 3 of his wickets coming by virtue of knocking over his victim’s stumps and Chris Green (2-19), choking out the opposition batters.

Kings all-rounder Roston Chase was the guiding light, hitting 4 fours and a 6 in his top-score of 40 off 36 deliveries. Captain Sikandar Raza (19), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (14) and 13 apiece from Johnson Charles and Kharry Pierre (13*), read the tale of a dismal batting exhibition.

Man of the match Fabian Allen does the happy feet for one of his four wickets for the Tallawahs. (CPL via Getty Images)

The defending champs then shot to 126-5 in the 18th over, after a string of match-winning contributions from the likes of Captain Brandon King, who raced to 30 off 19 with 3 fours and 2 sixes, to get the Tallawahs chase going.

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – SEPTEMBER 19: Raymon Reifer of Jamaica Tallawahs bats during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 eliminator match between Saint Lucia Kings and Jamaica Tallawahs at Providence Stadium on September 19, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Centurion from the last game, Alex Hales (24), muscled a few blows (3×4, 1×6) but it was the left-hand pair of all-rounders in Imad Wasim (15) and Raymon Reifer grafting an unbeaten 30 (1×4 1×6), who away at the majority of remaining runs needed, which steered them to a comprehensive victory.

Fast-bowler Matthew Forde bowled a champion spell, snagging 4-23 which almost threw a wrench in the Tallawahs wheel, until Reifer steered his team home minus any hiccups.

• Championship, contributions, Fabian Allen, Jamaica Tallawahs, weapon