A career best bowling performance from Fabien kept defending champions, Jamaica Tallawahs in the race for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League title and in turn knocking out St. Lucia Kings with a five-wicket win last night.
Tallawahs won the toss and inserted Kings at Providence where they were contained to 129 for nine in their 20 overs’ quota after Allen picked up 4-25 with his left-arm spin. Kings however, would not go down without a fight but the runs was never going to be out reach for Tallawahs who eventually met their target of 126 with 16 balls to spare and losing five wickets.
Allen was supported by off-spinner, Chris Green who removed the dangerous Bhankua Rajapaksa and Johnson Charles early in the piece to leave Kings reeling at 38 for three.
Kings continued to lose wickets at crucial points, notably losing four wickets for just 10 runs but they were able to cross the 100-run mark on the back of Roston Chase’s 40 from 36 balls. He struck four fours and one six before being bowled by Allen attempting to slog.
Matthew Forde kept the game interesting and the fans buzzing, picking up his best figures of 4-23 but Raymon Reifer played a crucial role, reaching 30 not out from 32 balls.
He struck one four and a six over long on to seal the game. Brandon King gave his side a solid start, reaching 30 from 19 balls before being bowled by Forde to end a 43-run opening stand. Alex Hales and Imad Wasim chipped in with 24 and 14 runs respectively.
Tallawahs will now play the loser of today’s contest between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders on Friday for a spot in the final.
