AHMEDABAD, India, CMC- Coach David Williams says Trinidad and Tobago were deprived of victory in their second match of the Champions League T20 because of an unstoppable Tisara Perera and an expensive spell from medium pacer Rayad Emrit.
The Red Force were on course to their second win in the tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad when Perera came to the rescue with a robust unbeaten 57 to seal victory by four wickets with three balls to spare on Tuesday.
“The guys were unfortunate to run into Perera in that kind of form. You tried the short ball he hit you, you tried the yorker he hit you as well,” said Williams.
“It was just one of those times when a man comes in and plays out of this world and takes a game from you”.
Batting first, T&T made 160 for eight in their 20 overs, an innings highlighted by an attractive 44 ball 66 from the stylish Darren Bravo.
While Sunil Narine grabbed four for nine to help defend the total, Emrit was pummelled all over the park and went for 57 runs from his four overs.
“I thought the guys played well but a costly over from Emrit turned the game and we could not recover,” said Williams.
“Emrit went for runs but at the same time he has been bowling really well for us all season and he would come back good again.
I thought that with 160 on the board we would be able to defend that but the ball was wet and fielding also proved to be a problem.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s next game is on Monday in Ahmedabad against The Titans, who also have a record of one win and a loss.
Williams said he is confident the Red Force will bounce back.
“We are still in this tournament, we need to win our next two games now and we will move forward,” said the former West Indies wicketkeeper.
