Jamaica Tallawahs lifted their third Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title last Friday night with an eight-wicket victory over Barbados Royals at Providence Stadium, Guyana.
They won the title in 2013 and 2016.
Although Barbados claimed to be Royals, Jamaica showed their opponents they had the real king — specifically Brandon King, who erased any doubt over who would be crowned champion.
Chasing 162 for victory after Barbados were limited to 161/7, Jamaica lost opener Kenner Lewis for a duck in the first over with the score on one. But Sharma Brooks, in supreme touch after his century two days before against Guyana, joined King to seize control of the match with an 86-run partnership. Brooks struck 47 of 33 balls (six fours, two sixes), showing more aggression than his partner.
He ended the power play with back to back boundaries to take the Tallawahs to 41/1.
A textbook drive from King’s off-spinner, Mujee Ur Rahaman brought up the Jamaica 50 in the eighth over. Seemingly cruising to victory on 86/1 after 10 overs, pacer Jason Holder broke the partnership with the wicket of Brooks, who whipped the delivery off his legs to Ramon Simmons on the square leg boundary. And the dismissal only served to give King a more expanded role, which he dutifully executed.
King and captain Rovman Powell did not give Royals a slip of a chance again with an array of shots around the stadium.
King put the nail in the coffin with his second six of the match.
Earlier, Barbados got a good start from the opening pair of Rakheem Cornwall and Kyle Mayers. The duo put on 63 for the first wicket with Cornwall again showing the ability to clear the ropes.
But Cornwall aggression contributed his demise as he cut a delivery from left arm spinner Fabien Allen to Imam Wasim who took a diving catch.
Summarized scores: Barbados Royals 161/7 — Jamaica Tallawahs 162/2 (from 16.1 overs) Brandon King 83 not out, Sharma Brooks 47 Tallawahs won by eight wickets.
Man of the Match: Fabien Allen (Tallawahs) with his 3/24
Man of the Series: Brandon King (Tallawahs).
