By: T. Chapman
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots secured their 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoff spot in dramatic style as Dominic Drakes bowled Harry Gurney with the final ball of the night to seal a thrilling one-run victory over Barbados Tridents.
Leading from the front, Brathwaite bowled superbly with solid support from Sheldon Cottrell and Rayad Emrit.
A crucial 33-ball 53 from Shamarh Brooks helped set up the dramatic finale and a win for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Batting first they struggled to reach 149/7.
However, giving their all to the very end, they secured victory. The Patriots are now in second position with 10 points as per the updated table standings.
With the Patriots win, Trinbago Knight Riders are sure of a top-four finish while Tridents and Zouks will battle to determine the final top-four spot.
A major collapse by the Tridents due to tight bowling from the Patriots slowed the momentum for the Tridents as they failed to chase down the Patriots’ 149/7.
At 85/2, Tridents were well on their way but the prized wicket of Shakib Al Hasan triggered a collapse. He was dismissed for 38.
Suddenly, Patriots were back in the game as Tridents were 99/7, 5 wickets were taken with 14 runs scored in less than four overs.
Tridents weren’t giving up though. Needing 51 off 29, Raymond Reifer blasted three maximums and victory was in sight for Tridents. Five runs were needed off of five balls with two wickets in hand.
Reifer was given his walking ticket when he took a risky run as he tried to retain the strike to face the final over.
Fans were tensed as the last pair Harry Gurney and Chemar Holder brought the target at two to win from the final delivery.
Drakes went full and straight to beat Gurney and just like that the dramatic celebrations began…. Patriots won by 1 run.
Captin Brathwaite was awarded Man of the Match for his 3 wicket haul.
