TEDDIE CASTERTON: The two last four clashes fail to excite as Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors turn out average displays
St Lucia Zouks unexpectedly smashed the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the second of the semi-finals. It was a showcase of brilliant aggressive cricket from St Lucia, with pace upfront that stopped the game early in its tracks.
Scott Kuggeleijn has been superb all tournament, with plenty of headlines around his bowling. And he cemented that reputation with two wickets in as many balls in the opening over.
Even with Chandrapaul Hemraj and Ross Taylor halting the embarrassment, staying at the crease to helped Warriors to 24 for 3 but it was in vain. Hemraj was caught by Mark Deyal with a blinder coming off the mid-on boundary to end any hope Warriors had.
Deyal was named player of the match for his performance. He took claimed wickets in successive balls after getting rid of Hemraj from a quicker delivery before Romario Shepard dished up some catching practice for the 27-year-old. His 19 not out then helped complete the chase of 56 to win inside five overs.
A perfect start for @Zouksonfire as Kuggeleijn picks up 2 wickets in 2 balls. #CPL20 #GAWvSLZ #RoadToTheFinal #CricketPlayedLouder pic.twitter.com/TgRf4vGRd0
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 8, 2020
Even with an inferior total to pursue, the Zouks warmed up for the final with a ruthless batting display. Rahkeem Cornwall continued his return to form with an unbeaten 32, with three sixes, while partner Deyal hit a timely 19.
Cornwall was in no mood to nurse the run-chases. He smacked Chris Green for two maximums in the first over before whipping Imran Tahir for four past short fine leg. Deyal followed suit, driving Tahir through the covers for two fours. After two overs, Zouks were half-way towards their total. Both contributed 10 runs off Naveen-ul-Haq and then did the same to South Africa Tahir – boundaries flowing in every direction.
That Cornwall secured the win with a nick past the 'keeper for a single epitomised the Warriors' display, securing the win with only 27 balls delivered.
A wicket in each of the first three overs was a dismal start for the Tallawahs against Trinbago Knight Riders, with Akeal Hosein the tormentor in chief. He later added Asif Ali to finish with career-best figures of 4-1-14-3.
What a start for the Trinbago Knight Riders and Akeal Hosein taking 3/14 👏👏👏 #CPL20 #TKRvJT #RoadToTheFinal #CricketPlayedLouder pic.twitter.com/T3kfbJLKv3
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 8, 2020
Some resurrection took place from Nkrumah Bonner as he struck five fours to the ropes and skipper Rovman Powell patiently added 33, but neither were able to score at a rate to trouble Knight Riders.
Carlos Brathwaite struck the last ball of the innings for six but his demeanor upon leaving the field said it all about the Tallawahs effort.
The West Indian continued his inspired form, guiding Knight Riders to 50 for 1 from the first seven overs, to make victory virtually inevitable. Veerasammy Permaul (0-14) may have bowled well, but the Tallawahs failed to take wickets once again as Simmons and Tion Webster led the way.
Lendl Simmons is making short work of this run chase! #CPL20 #TKRvJT #RoadToTheFinal #CricketPlayedLouder pic.twitter.com/OSr6K9EU5N
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 8, 2020
Brathwaite moved to some attacking fields in the closing stages of the chase, but that merely helped deliver victory sooner. Knight Riders cruised to victory, setting up a meeting with Zouks on Thursday.
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