Trinbago Knight riders qualified for their third CPL final in four years as they beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 20 runs in the second qualifier. Knight Riders posted a competitive total of 165/6 in their 20 overs. Patriots fell short by 20 runs in their chase to qualify for the final.
Patriots won the toss and opted to bowl first got their first breakthrough as TKR opener Ingram fell in the third over for only five runs. After failures in the previous two games, McCullum and Munro took them to 79 in 11th over. Captain Gayle managed to get McCullum lbw for 43 in 26 balls. DJ Bravo scored a quick 24 runs in 8 balls helped Knight riders post a competitive total on board.
The chase started with the big wicket of Chris Gayle in the first over. Ali Khan had the crucial wicket which Knight Riders were after. Devon Thomas scored 35 before getting bowled by Ingram with only 44 on the scoreboard. In the middle order, Brandon King’s 22 balls 33 came to an end when Narine bowled him in 14th over leaving Patriots 89/5. Fabien Allen’s efforts were not enough to take Patriots over the line. He remained not out on 32 from 19 balls with three sixes.
Bowlers led by Fawad Ahmed ensured that TKR cruise to their third CPL final. He took three wickets for 13 runs in his four overs also was well supported by Ali Khan and Narine who shared three wickets among them in their respective quota of overs.
One big game left in CPL18. Knight Riders will take on Guyana in the Grand Finale of CPL in Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad. Will it be Riders for the third time or Warriors for their first CPL title ever?
