CPL: Raymon Reifer's all-round heroics help Barbados Royals record maiden win

Left-arm fast-bowler Raymon Reifer had not been a part of the Barbados Royals’ opening two games in the ongoing edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The team had suffered defeats in those encounters, resulting in fans fearing a below-par campaign. However, Reifer’s all-round heroics helped snap the losing run, earning the Barbados-based franchise their opening points in the edition of the popular T20 league. The cricketer initially smashed a crucial unbeaten 31 as a part of a 79-run unbroken sixth-wicket stand in the first innings, helping the Barbados Royals post a total of 161 runs for the loss of five wickets.

This was followed by figures of 3 for 31, which included the massive double dismissals of Carlos Brathwaite and Andre Russell in the 15th over. The Tallawahs slipped from 99 for 4 to 103 for 6 and failed to make a comeback eventually losing by 15 runs. Russell’s dismissal for a golden duck was especially significant, considering the CPL record-setting 14-ball 50 just a day ago.

Barbados Royals’ batsmen fail to make their presence felt

The Barbados Royals batting department comprising of Shai Hope, Kyle Myers and Johnson Charles fell inside the PowerPlay, having conceded wickets meekly against Isuru Udana just a day before. Jason Holder’s decision to bat seemed like an incorrect one with the all-rounder himself dismissed in the seventh over, after hitting the ball straight to Shamarh Brooks at cover.

Glenn Phillips attempted to guide the innings along at the other end, but failed to receive the necessary support as Azam Khan walked back to the pavilion early. Reifer stepped in at this stage, dragging the Royals to 106 for 5 before accelerating in the next few overs. The last two overs – from Migael Pretorius and Russell – fetched 13 and 18 respectively, with the two batsmen showcasing impressive intent to ensure a defendable total on the board.

Poor start to chase by Jamaica Tallawahs

The Jamaica Tallawahs got off to a terrible start in the chase, losing four wickets by the sixth over. Mohammad Amir, Jason Holder and Reifer accounted for early dismissals to leave the chasing side in deep trouble at 33 for 4. Shamarh Brooks and Carlos Brathwaite helped the franchise rebuild, with the scoreline reading 63 for 4 at the end of 10 overs. This was followed by a shift in gears with 33 runs scored off the next four overs. However, Reifer stepped in at this stage inducing a false shot from Braithwaite resulting in him being caught at sweeper cover. Russell also made the same mistake, slicing a big shot which saw him walking back for a first-ball duck.

“When I came in, I was just looking to knock the ball around, we (with Glenn Phillips) were looking to build a partnership and then played our shots in the last three overs. It was all about executing the plans (against Andre Russell), just focusing on hitting the lengths. It means a lot, they have always supported me right through (on his family),” said Reifer who was named as the Player of the Match as quoted by Cricinfo.

Pretorius attempted to throw his bat around in a 14-run 16th over, but the dismissals by Reifer had a telling effect on proceedings. While Brooks dragged the game till the final over where the Tallawahs needed 23, Thisira Perera ensured a tidy finish to proceedings accounted for two wickets in the final over.