On September 18 (Wednesday), the dynamic duo of Andre Russell (36 off 15) and Tim David (31 off 24) helped Trinbago Knight Riders seal a thrilling five-wicket win over Guyana Amazon Warriors. Fireworks from Andre Russell (36* off 15) and a measured hand from Tim David (31* off 24) meant that Trinbago Knight Riders started their home leg with a pulsating five-wicket win over Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Queen’s Park Oval.
In a thrilling match, Andre Russell and David outperformed Shepherd and Pretorius, defining the outcome of the game. The Trinbago Knight Riders returned to their home at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad to battle against the Guyana Amazon Warriors. After a successful away stint, TKR were ready and raring to be back to playing at their home.
Pitch and Toss
The average first innings score is 155. The boundary sizes – 61m and 64m square boundaries. 74m down the ground. There has been fair amount of rain, some parts on the field are damp. There might be some dew formation later, reckons Ian Bishop.
Trinbago Knight Riders skipper Kieron Pollard won the toss and chose to field first with three changes in the Playing XI as Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Tim David in the playing XI. Guyana Amazon Warriors skipper Shai Hope batting first also made made few changes in the playing XI.
Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius guides GAW to 148 for 7 in 20 overs
Earlier at the Queen’s Park Oval, Akeal Hossein and Sunil Narine ensured that the Warriors struggled with the bat, reducing them to 76/7 in the 12th over. From thereon, a sizzling 72-run partnership between Dwaine Pretorius (21) and Romario Shepherd (24-ball 51) took the Warriors to 148 after 20 overs.
TKR opted to bowl first which has been a pattern for them throughout the season and they have been a happy chasing side. They took the field with an intent to pick up early wickets and keep the pressure on the GAW batters. As has been the story all season long, Akeal Hossein picked up the first breakthrough for TKR as he knocked Kevin Sinclair’s stumps over. This wicket helped TKR get into a different momentum altogether as they kept the overs tight and continued to pick up the wickets.
All innings long, it was the TKR spinners who dominated the play with Sunil Narine and Waqar Salamkheil spinning a web around the GAW batters. Champion DJ Bravo also picked up a crucial wicket and brought out the iconic ‘Champion’ celebration which the fans were eager to see. TKR aimed to restrict the Warriors to as low as possible, however a lower order blitz from Romario Shepherd propelled GAW to a competitive total of 148. It was all upon the TKR batters now to chase this total down and clinch victory.
Earlier on, the Warriors made a royal mess of their batting as they got derailed by TKR’s spin trio. While Tim Robinson (34 off 28) gave them a reasonable start, the drastic implosion meant that they fell from to 76/7 with eight overs still left in the innings. Waqar Salamkheil (2-19) continued his stellar form with Sunil Narine (2-24) bowling another of his typical spells.
Romario Shepherd (51* off 24) and Pretorius (21* off 25) led an amazing recovery to lend respectability to the GAW total, one that proved to be extremely competitive in the game even with the dew setting in.
Andre Russell Powers Knight Riders To a Win In Bravo’s Memorable Homecoming
Shamar Joseph (1-27) and Sowter (2-37) then put on the squeeze in the chase with the Sowter’s double strike in an over severely denting TKR’s chances. When Nicholas Pooran fell in the 15th over after an unusually scratchy innings, Guyana were well on top. That joy, however, was short lived as Andre Russell produced the kind of knock we’ve been used to seeing from him with good support from David.
Chasing a competitive target of 149 on a tricky surface, TKR found themselves in a spot of bother at 89/5 with the equation reading 60 off 30 to win. That’s when Andre Russell, in his comeback game from injury, joined a rusty David at the crease. While the Australian continued to struggle for timing, Andre Russell got into the act straightaway with some lusty blows.
Two turning points in the partnership were decisive to the game. When on nought, Andre Russell got a reprieve with Junior Sinclair putting down a sharp chance near the deep backward square leg fence. Then, Nathan Sowter, who had bowled exceedingly well till that point, got taken apart for three sixes in an over to restore parity in the run chase for TKR.
The Warriors kept fighting hard with some crafty death bowling and a fine penultimate over from Dwaine Pretorius meant the Knight Riders needed 12 to win off the final over. It threatened to go down to the wire but David found his mojo at the right moment as he smacked consecutive sixes off the first two balls to kill the chase.
Chasing, TKR lost Narine early in the innings at 12/1. That soon turned 52/3 when both Shaqkere Parris and Keacy Carty, with Nathan Sowter, picked up both the wickets. Keemo Paul added more misery when he removed the on-song Nicholas Pooran before Shamar Joseph accounted for Kieron Pollard.
That’s when the duo of Russell and David stepped up to help TKR chase it in 19.2 overs, as they went within touching distance at the top of the table with 8 points.
The TKR openers Sunil Narine and Shaqkere Parris came out with an aim to start the run-chase with an aggressive intent. However, TKR lost Narine early as Parris and Keacy Carty joined up to stabilize the innings. They stitched a crucial partnership, but both fell in quick time leaving two new batters at the crease. TKR stuttered in the run chase as they kept on losing wickets. At one point they were reduced to 89-5 and GAW looked to put this game in their bag.
However, Andre Russell and Tim David had different plans as both of them got right into work and started smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. Dre-Russ stood tall and did what he always does – smash sixes to all parts of the ground. Tim David, who was on his TKR debut, stood up to his reputation, took responsibility and helped TKR seal the win.
Both took the game deep right till the final over where anything seemed possible with 12 to get off 6 balls. But, Tim David just blasted two sixes of the first two balls to finish things off for TKR. This is the second time the Knight Riders have clinched victory from the jaws of defeat and they will be extremely happy with new heroes standing tall for them in every game. The spectators were treated to an incredible game of cricket with TKR sealing a win to remember.
Presentations and Road Ahead
Dwayne Bravo on his special homecoming said : Very emotional. The boys are giving me a hard time that I cry today, but appreciate the love and respect these guys show. Have had good memories over the years. We have a lot of good memories here, playing here in front of the fans, this is what we all look forward to. Darren Bravo’s last ball six against Guyana was memorable, that was special.
The captain had to officially okay it (Bravo playing tonight.) He (Pollard) had to be a wicked man to say no. Happy with the respect the guys have for me. The management, staff, owners and head coach. Today my son is watching me play for the first time, so really happy.
Shai Hope the losing skipper said : It’s always great to chase here. He is one of the best in the world. Difficult to stop when he strikes well. Good to see him come back and make an impact straightaway. I don’t want to pinpoint the fielding and bowling effort. We had a missed chance yes, but I want Sinclair to know he’s one of the best in the team. This is probably the one place (Trinidad) here where you won’t see much of Warriors fans. We love coming here.
Kieron Pollard the winning skipper said : Want to thank No. 47 for what he has done for Trinidad and West Indies cricket. Tonight is special and fantastic to give him a win. We share a lot on and off the field, from the a family perspective as well. Special feeling, look forward to tomorrow night again.
Good came of cricket. Low-scoring, went down to the wire. Iconic, the fans just keep coming to support us. (Bravo bumps into Pollard during the interview). Let’s keep the emotions away because we have another game in 24 hours. Let’s see how the old man pulls up.
Andre Russell the Player of the Match for his 36 runs said : It feels good to be back in the middle. Struggling since that ankle injury, but these guys have been doing an amazing job to get me back on the field. Doing whatever the physio wants me to do, that needs some dedication. I know I can hit sixes, I know David is a six-hitter as well. I said to Tim we have to get 8 sixes in 24 balls.
Rest of the balls – we could have taken care of it, final game for Bravo, he’s a true champion. Based on the batting we have in our team, these things (losing wickets) do happen. I think the game shouldn’t have come down so far. But these games entertain the crowd, they enjoy it (when things go down to the wire.)
I used to wicket-keep, but after watching Bravo play for West Indies, I started batting, bowling. Saw him bat for West Indies in Tests, fielding and diving, I am just happy to be part of this game. There was so much emotion behind that celebration. We are going to miss him, I hope he will be around for us. He will be in tears in the dressing room tonight, this one (Player of the Match) award is for DJ Bravo.
Probably, Andre Russell-David get the better of Shepherd-Pretorius would be a fitting summary of this game. That’s how things went. The Warriors were tottering at 76/7 and they had Shepherd smacking a 24-ball fifty in a 72-run stand that stunned the Knight Riders. The hosts in their chase were 89/5 needing 61 runs off 5 overs.
The equation wasn’t alarming but with David going less than run-a-ball it was turning tricky but Dre Russ turned it on in his own style smacking 4 sixes in the space of 6 balls. The energy rubbed off on David too and with 12 needed off 6 balls he closed the game out with successive sixes.
What a thrilling match at the Queens Park Oval! It was a real nail-biter as the momentum swung back and forth between the teams. In the end, the Trinbago Knight Riders held their nerve and clinched a hard-fought victory by 5 wickets with just 4 balls remaining. Tim David’s two maximums in the first two balls of the over and Andre Russell’s crucial contribution played a significant role in the team’s win.
In a thrilling match, Andre Russell and David outperformed Shepherd and Pretorius, defining the outcome of the game. The Warriors found themselves struggling at 76/7 when Shepherd played a remarkable innings, scoring a 24-ball fifty in a 72-run partnership that stunned the Knight Riders.
During the hosts’ chase, they were at 89/5, requiring 61 runs off 5 overs. Although the equation seemed manageable, David’s slow scoring increased the pressure. However, Dre Russ took charge, smashing 4 sixes in just 6 balls, which energized the team. This momentum also influenced David, and with 12 runs needed off 6 balls, he sealed the game with consecutive sixes, securing a remarkable victory.
It’s an absolute party in Trinidad as they give a grand farewell at home in what is DJ Bravo’s final season. You had all players donning jersey No. 47 with Thank You DJ written on the back. They want to celebrate the last few games of his career in grand style. TKR will be back in less than 24 hours here to play the Falcons.