CPL 2021: Tim Seifert's heroics in vain as St Lucia Kings record maiden win

Tim Seifert is considered one of the most destructive batsmen in the shortest format of the game. Seifert certainly served a timely reminder of the reasons behind this, with a fantastic 40 runs off 16 deliveries in an innings comprising of five boundaries and three sixes. The cricketer’s heroics helped the Trinbago Knight Riders compete hard for a triumph, with Colin Munro’s 40 runs off 47 deliveries pushing them into a state of bother. The Knight Riders were 102 for 3 in the 17th over when Seifert came to the crease. He smashed five fours and three sixes in the 18th and 19th overs, off Alzarri Joseph and Keemo Paul. However, with 14 runs needed off the final over, Wahab Riaz who had conceded 61 runs in three overs in the opening game, showcased his determination to ensure a maiden win.

Slow start to chase of 158 proves costly

Lendl Simmons and Tion Webster recorded just three sixes and two boundaries between them in the powerplay, which certainly worked well in favour of the Kings bowlers. Plenty of dots were ensured with only six singles allowed indicating the discipline of the bowlers as well as the inability to rotate strike from the point of view of the openers. With only 35 runs after six overs for the loss of Webster who got a top-edge, it was always going to be a tough challenge. The situation further deteriorated after the Knight Riders huffed and puffed to 57/1 in 11 overs.

Colin Munro broke the shackles with a six over long-off, but it was a rare sight with the Knight Riders handed a score of 62 runs to chase off the final five overs. Both Pollard and Munro struggled to score against Joseph in the 16th over, with the former soon dismissed as the required rate crossed 14. Seifert attempted his best but it was simply too stern a challenge.

Tim David continues to impress

The Kings earlier got off to a good start, following a 51-run opening stand which came inside the powerplay. Andre Fletcher and Rahkeem Cornwall smashed the ball freely, putting the opposition bowlers under pressure. Ravi Rampaul made his presence felt in the middle overs, accounting for their dismissals. He further followed it up with the wickets of Faf du Plessis and Mark Deyal off consecutive deliveries, reducing the Kings to 69 for 4 in the 10th over.

Tim David who has been quite impressive in the ongoing edition showcased his prowess yet again, delivering a fine finish with a 32-ball 43. David’s knock comprised of three boundaries and sixes apiece.

“Strange game of cricket, that’s why we love the game. Keemo has been bowling well from that end, which is why I went for him in the 19th over. That’s what pressure does sometimes. Got me a bit nervous but we got across the line. The nature of this pitch is that you need to go deep. Need to scrap your way and then go big at the end, we did that,” said St Lucia Kings skipper Du Plessis.