KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Chris Gayle blasted 51 of 25 balls to set the foundation for a successful chase as Jamaica Tallawahs defeated the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel by three wickets in match 21 of the Caribbean Premier League at the Sabina Park here yesterday.
Gayle rushed to his half century in only 23 balls, equaling the fastest to that landmark for the League. In the process he carved four boundaries and spanked five huge sixes. He was particularly severe on his opposing number Dwayne Bravo until he spliced one from the Red Steel skipper that skied for Nicholas Pooran to take running from behind the stumps.
Chasing 134 for victory after restricting the Red Steel to 133 for seven off 20 overs, Tallawahs innings declined with the dismissal of Gayle. It was left to an undefeated run a ball 25 with two fours and one six by Danza Hyatt that helped them secure the two points. Victory was brought up off the final ball of the 20th over bowled by Bravo.
Chadwick Walton played another supporting role at the top of the innings of 28 before banging a long hop from Yannick Cariah back to the bowler. Kevon Cooper was the stand out bowler for the Red Steel creating pressure in the middle of the Tallawah innings with two scalps for 14 runs off four overs. Dwayne Bravo ended with two for 43.
The Red Steel failed to string partnerships together having been inserted by the Tallawahs. Dwayne Bravo top scored with 29 off 16 deliveries with four fours and one six and his brother Darren struck 27 and was one of three batsmen to go by the run out route. Ross Taylor, 20, who like Dwayne Bravo fell to catches off Gayle was the only other scorer of note. Man of the match Gayle had returns of two for 24.
Tallawahs ended the League with 10 points, equal with top ranked Guyana Amazon Warriors who had a better net run rate. The Red Steel were fourth with six points, two below third placed team Barbados Tridents.
The Caribbean Premier League now moves into the semi-finals in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad with Red Steel taking on the Warriors on August 22 and the Tridents face Tallawahs on August 23.
