The Trinbago Knight Riders tasted defeat last night against the Jamaica Kingsmen at Sabina Park. The Jamaicans were led by Kirk McKenzie at the top of the order before closing off with some big hits to seal a 5-wicket win in Kingston.
Fresh from an opening victory over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and strengthened by the return of Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran, the Trinbago Knight Riders looked well-positioned against the Jamaica Kingsmen, who had lost their first three matches. TKR justified their status as favourites, making a strong start after being sent in to bat at Sabina Park.
Openers Colin Munro and Alex Hales made 16 and 29 respectively before they were dismissed with the score on 37 and on 70.
Their departure made way for skipper Nicholas Pooran and former captain Kieron Pollard. The duo, returning from the Hundred tournament in England, took over this contest in a 67-run partnership. Both men adding 44 runs to the cause. When they departed TKR stood at 149 for 5 with just over three overs to go.
Jyd Goolie with an unbeaten 14 and Sunil Narine’s rapid-fire 19 not out, pushed the Knight Riders to 182 for 6 to close their innings in Kingston.
But the Jamaicans who have been inconsistent with the bat stunned the visitors with their response courtesy Kirk Mc Kenzie.
He along with fellow opener Reeza Hendricks resisted what TKR bowlers threw at them getting the hosts to 93 before the loss of the first wicket. Usman Tariq who returned to the TKR lineup removed both men. Hendricks on 37 and Mc Kenzie with 69 which included 6 sixes and 6 fours.
Credit to Knight Riders who pegged back this contest in the middle overs, from 103 for 2 to 126 for 4.
But then the veterans, captain Rovman Powell with 29 not out and Andre Russell, 27, powered the Jamaica Kingsmen to 183 for 5 to take the 5-wicket win with 8 balls to spare. Kirk Mc Kenzie was named Player of the Match.