Brendon McCullum’s 42-ball 66 helped Trinbago Knight Riders beat Barbados Tridents by four wickets and reach the top of CPL 2018.
The Tridents opted to bat first but managed only 128 for 8 with Fawad Ahmed, Khary Pierre and Dwayne Bravo picking up two wickets each. Knight Riders, the defending champions, had some early jitters in the chase but McCullum helped his side past the line in 16.3 overs.
Knight Riders were jolted early by Mohammad Irfan, fresh off a record spell of 4-3-1-2 against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. The left-arm pacer dismissed Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine, and with Ashley Nurse getting Colin Munro, Knight Riders were struggling at 37 for 3.
Earlier, Tridents’ game started terribly when they lost three wickets in four balls in the second over. Pierre bowled Dwayne Smith with his first ball before Shamar Springer was run out looking for a single to get off the mark. Two balls latera sharp turner deceived Steven Smith and had him stumped for nought, leaving Tridents tottering at 3 for 3.
The Knight Riders join Jamaica Tallawahs on eight points, but lead the table as they have a healthier net run-rate.
