CPL 2023: Jamaica Tallawahs beat Saint Lucia Kings by 11 runs in opening game of the season

In the opening encounter of the Caribbean Premier League 2023, the Jamaica Tallawahs beat the Saint Lucia Kings by 11 runs. In the nail-biting thriller, Tallawahs defended 187 runs with a mighty bowling performance. After a delightful batting performance from Brandon King, the Pakistani duo of Imad Wasim and Salman Irshad won the game for Jamaica.

Earlier, after winning the toss, SLK skipper Faf du Plessis opted to bowl first. His decision didn’t go well with the team, as JT openers added 44 runs for the first wicket. Brandon King and Krik McKenzie batted well. McKenzie scored 20 runs off 11 balls with the help of two fours and a six. Meanwhile, King continued to hammer SLK bowlers and scored his first half-century of the season.

King, in his innings, scored 80 runs off 53 balls with the help of nine fours and three sixes. In the end, short cameos from R. Reifer (16), Fabian Allan (15), and Imad Wasim (19) helped JT post a competitive total of 187/10 in 20 overs. For SLK, spinner Roston Chase clinched three wickets, while pacer Alzari Joseph got two scalps.

Imad Wasim and Salman Irshad scripted victory for the Jamaica Tallawahs

In response to JT’s target, SLK got off to a shaky start as they lost skipper Faf du Plessis for a mere 9 runs off 8 deliveries. Openers Johnson Charles and Sean Williams added 32 runs for the second wicket. Charles, in his inning, scored 24 runs off 22 balls, while Williams scored 26 runs off 22 balls. Soon, SLK lost five wickets for 105 runs in 14 overs. The Pakistani duo of Imad Wasim and Salman Irshad was on fire as they clinched some crucial wickets.

However, all-rounder Roston Chase had some other plans. He, along with Roshon Primus, added 61 runs for the sixth wicket in just 29 balls. Chase, in his innings, scored 53 runs off 31 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes. On the other hand, Primus scored 37 runs off 20 balls with the help of four fours and two sixes.

Despite their heroic efforts, SLK failed to win the game and fell short by 11 runs. With this victory, Jamaica Tallawahs have started well, while Saint Lucia Kings will need to introspect themselves. On the second day of the tournament, Lucia will take on the Barbados Royals.