Tridents end losing streak in style
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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):
The Barbados Tridents roared back to form at Kensington Oval on Sunday night, snapping a four-game losing streak with a commanding eight-wicket victory over the St Lucia Kings in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The comprehensive win, the Tridents’ third of the season and their second over the Kings this year, was built on a disciplined bowling performance before Quinton de Kock and Rivaldo Clarke guided a composed run chase, to the delight of the home crowd.
Sent in to bat, the Kings appeared eager to erase memories of their recent 98-run defeat, with Kamil Pooran leading a strong PowerPlay assault as they raced to 51 for one after six overs.
However, the innings lost momentum when the crafty Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed the dangerous Pooran for 37 just six balls later.
The breakthrough left the Kings struggling to escape the Tridents’ grip. Mujeeb and Jakeem Pollard tightened the screws on the middle order, restricting the boundary flow and slowing the scoring rate.
Roston Chase attempted to revive the innings with a determined 34 after Pooran’s departure, but the Barbados bowlers maintained control.
Mujeeb finished as the standout performer with excellent figures of three for 22 from his four overs, while Daniel Sams delivered an economical spell of two for 20.
The Kings’ problems at the death persisted as they managed only 29 runs while losing three wickets in the final five overs, limping to 138 for six.
In reply, the Tridents made a brisk start. Openers Brandon King and Zachary Carter added 41 runs for the first wicket to keep the chase comfortably on track.
Chase struck for St Lucia by dismissing King for 22, and shortly afterwards hometown favourite Joshua Bishop removed Carter, who contributed a useful 32.
That brought Rivaldo Clarke to the crease to join the experienced de Kock, and the pair initially proceeded cautiously as the Kings’ bowlers, led by Bishop and Charith Asalanka, attempted to apply pressure.
Despite a few anxious moments, including chances that fell short of fielders, de Kock (47 not out) and Clarke (36 not out) held firm.
The pair paced the chase expertly, gradually easing the pressure on the hosts. Their unbroken 76-run partnership carried the Tridents to 139 for two with 13 balls remaining.
The Tridents will look to build on the victory when they continue their home stand against the Patriots on Thursday. The Kings, meanwhile, must regroup quickly ahead of their final group-stage fixture against the Warriors tomorrow.