Supported by Dwayne Bravo who promoted himself to number three, Evin Lewis blasted an unbeaten 77 to help St Kitts and Nevis Patriots emerge victorious.
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Evin Lewis has been a star performer for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the ongoing edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The same was on full display in the second semi-final of the edition against Guyana Amazon Warriors, as the Patriots stormed into the final following a stunning performance by Lewis. The opener smashed an unbeaten 77 off 39 deliveries, to help his team chase down a target of 179 runs with 13 balls to spare, in a seven-wicket win. Lewis enjoyed quality support from veteran Chris Gayle, who accumulated 42 runs from 27 balls in an innings comprising of five boundaries and three sixes. The former’s knock included three fours and eight maximums. Skipper Dwayne Bravo further chipped in with a 31-ball 34 to ensure that there were no further hiccups in the chase.
Bravo’s decision to field was certainly justified in the second half of the innings, with the Warriors looking confident at the end of 10 overs having scored 88 runs for the loss of two wickets. Nicholas Pooran had smashed 18 runs in the final over before the mid-innings drinks break, showcasing the momentum he was enjoying. However, Dominic Drakes struck just two balls after play resumed with a poor shot from Pooran on the leg-side boundary costing his side dear.
Wickets continue to tumble from that point as the Patriots looked set to dismiss their opponents for a total well below 150. However, Shimron Hetmyer showcased his prowess in a crucial encounter, smashing 45 runs from 20 deliveries in a tense scenario, after his team slipped to 131 for 8 with 21 balls left. Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Drakes, Naseem Shah and Fawad Ahmed were the pick of the bowlers, accounting for two dismissals.
Bravo expressed his desire to help younger players develop and build a team that could emerge as champions, at the start of the campaign.
“We have a lot of experience in our group. It helps. We wanted to bowl first and we knew they wanted to bat first. It was important to bowl well. At the halfway mark, we were happy. It was a good day with the bowling group. Apart from one or two overs and that happens when you play against good sides. When I made a change (to Patriots), I wanted a challenge. I wanted to help the younger players develop and build a team that can win a trophy. Now we have one game to do it. It’ll be a very good final, may the best team win,” he said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Pooran admitted that the bowlers were not upto the mark.
“As a bowling group, we weren’t upto the mark. Having said that, I hope that we take the learning from this. We were happy with anything over 160, Hetmyer played really well to get us to a good score. Lots of positives for us – Smith, Motie and Shepherd. Lots of young players putting their hands up. Hope that they get better with these learnings. Congratulations to St Kitts,” he stated.
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